World Mental Health Day 2025 Highlights the Need for Mental Health Support During Crises

Mumbai: Every year, World Mental Health Day brings attention to the importance of psychological well-being and access to care. The 2025 theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” emphasizes a vital message — mental health care must remain a priority even in times of disaster.

When emergencies such as natural disasters, pandemics, or conflicts strike, emotional distress, anxiety, grief, and post-traumatic stress can linger long after the physical damage has been repaired. To reduce this lasting impact, mental health care must be included in every stage of emergency response.

Initiatives such as outreach programs, mobile clinics, telepsychiatry, community support networks, and training first responders in psychological first aid are essential.

Dr Sonal Anand, Consultant Psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, stated, “In times of crisis, mental health care must not be an afterthought — it must be woven into the very fabric of relief efforts, so no one is left to suffer in silence.”

Her view reinforces the idea that psychological support should begin alongside physical relief measures like shelter, food, and medical care.

On this World Mental Health Day, governments, NGOs, healthcare systems, and community organizations are urged to close the gap between crisis response and mental health services. Resources should be allocated proactively, local professionals must be empowered, and vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and displaced individuals need focused attention.

Building community resilience through peer support groups, culturally sensitive counselling, and awareness campaigns can also reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.

As Dr Anand added, “When disasters strike, recovery is not just about rebuilding structures but healing minds. Mental health support during emergencies is not optional  it is essential.”