World Mental Health Day 2025: Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th, 2025, under the global theme “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies.” This year’s focus shines a spotlight on how crises such as wars, forced displacement, natural disasters, and the growing effects of climate change create urgent mental health needs. For millions of people living in conflict zones or disaster-prone regions, the struggle is not only about physical survival but also about coping with invisible wounds of trauma, grief, and uncertainty. In Kenya and across Africa, where floods, droughts, and internal conflicts continue to displace families, this theme could not be more relevant.

Globally, humanitarian emergencies affect one in five people with mental health conditions, according to the World Health Organization. In conflict zones like Palestine, countless civilians are enduring immense psychological strain, from children witnessing violence to families mourning loved ones. The mental scars of such crises often last long after physical reconstruction begins. Closer to home, Africa has faced protracted conflicts in countries like Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where displacement and instability have fueled high levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. At the same time, the climate emergency is deepening this crisis. In Kenya, recurrent floods and droughts linked to climate change are disrupting lives, livelihoods, and access to healthcare, further compounding mental distress.

For persons with disabilities, and particularly those with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities, these challenges are multiplied. During emergencies, they are often the first to be left behind, whether due to inaccessible shelters, lack of inclusive communication, or deep-rooted stigma. Research shows that people with psychosocial disabilities are disproportionately affected by crises, facing higher risks of neglect, abandonment, and violence. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), particularly Article 11, obligates states to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. Yet, implementation remains weak, and disability-inclusive disaster response is still lacking in many parts of Africa.

It is important to highlight that mental health care is lifesaving. Studies reveal that almost one in five people in conflict-affected areas live with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Among displaced populations, these numbers are often even higher. However, less than 2% of humanitarian health budgets globally are allocated to mental health. This gap leaves millions struggling in silence, unable to access the care and support they need.

In Kenya, data shows that nearly 25% of patients visiting primary healthcare facilities present with mental health conditions, yet only a small fraction receive proper diagnosis or treatment. For those living in informal settlements or displacement camps after floods and conflicts, access to counseling or medication is almost nonexistent. Persons with psychosocial disabilities are further excluded due to stigma and discrimination. This neglect not only violates their human rights but also undermines community resilience in the face of repeated crises.

Building a future where mental health is prioritized during emergencies requires turning awareness into action. Governments must invest in community-based mental health services that are inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. Humanitarian actors should be trained to identify and respond to mental health needs, ensuring that shelters, information, and services are disability inclusive. Civil society and advocacy groups also play a vital role in holding governments accountable to their CRPD obligations and amplifying the voices of those most affected.

Equally, there is an urgent need to address the root causes of humanitarian crises, from armed conflicts to climate change. Without tackling these drivers, mental health services will always be playing catch-up. Integrating mental health into climate adaptation strategies, peacebuilding, and disaster risk reduction can make communities more resilient and better prepared to cope with future shocks. Importantly, persons with lived experience, including those with psychosocial disabilities must be at the center of designing solutions.

World Mental Health Day 2025 is a reminder that mental health is a universal right, not a privilege for a few. In humanitarian emergencies, supporting mental well-being is as crucial as providing food, water, and shelter. By making mental health care disability-inclusive, rights-based, and adequately funded, we can ensure that no one is left behind when disaster strikes. This is not just a moral duty, but a legal obligation under the CRPD, and a necessary step toward building just, resilient, and compassionate societies.

Written by: Emmanuel Brian Mbuthia, Disability Inclusion and Mental Health Advocate, Kenya