Ensuring a coordinated and effective mental health response in emergencies

Emergency situations such as armed conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises exacerbate the risk of mental health conditions. Nearly all people affected by these emergencies will experience psychological distress, with one in five likely to have a mental disorder such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These risks are heightened in older people and marginalized groups. Stressful events such as violence and loss, as well as poverty, discrimination, overcrowding, and food and resource insecurity, are common in emergencies and can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions. People with severe mental disorders are particularly vulnerable. 

However, while emergencies have a detrimental effect on mental health, they have also been shown to provide opportunities to build sustainable mental health care systems in the period following the event. 

WHO works around the world to ensure that the humanitarian mental health response is both coordinated and effective. We work with our many partner organizations to provide guidelines, intervention manuals, policy directions and other tools to support the emergency response for mental health. WHO also co-chairs the IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, which provides advice and support to organizations working in emergency settings.