Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies
- adebola58
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
Every year on World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that mental well-being is a universal human right—one that deserves protection and care in every situation. But when disasters strike—whether natural catastrophes, armed conflicts, pandemics, or humanitarian crises—mental health is often one of the first casualties and one of the last priorities to be addressed.
The Hidden Toll of Catastrophes
When homes are destroyed, communities displaced, and lives upended, the psychological impact is immense. People experience grief, fear, trauma, and uncertainty, often without access to proper support.
Survivors may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
Families torn apart by crisis face compounded emotional distress.
Frontline workers and responders, too, bear the weight of compassion fatigue and burnout.
While emergency relief efforts focus rightly on food, shelter, and safety, mental health care is sometimes seen as a “secondary” concern. In truth, it is central to recovery and resilience.
Barriers to Mental Health Support
Even in stable times, mental health services are under-resourced. During emergencies, these challenges intensify:
Infrastructure collapses: Clinics, hospitals, and supply chains may be damaged or inaccessible.
Stigma persists: Many survivors feel ashamed or fear judgment for seeking help.
Limited professionals: There are often too few trained mental health workers to meet demand.
Cultural and linguistic barriers: Support systems must respect local beliefs and languages to be effective.
Building Resilience Through Access
To truly support communities in crisis, mental health must be woven into emergency response frameworks. International bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) have emphasized Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) as a core part of humanitarian aid.
Key steps to ensure access include:
Integrating mental health into primary care – so that emotional support is available alongside physical aid.
Training community leaders and volunteers – empowering local resilience and peer support.
Creating safe spaces – for expression, connection, and psychological first aid.
Using technology – hotlines, teletherapy, and digital tools can bridge service gaps.
Promoting long-term recovery – recognizing that healing continues long after the crisis fades from headlines.
A Call to Compassion and Action
This World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that mental health is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. When disaster strikes, providing emotional support is as vital as clean water and shelter. Access to mental health services during catastrophes isn’t just about treatment; it’s about dignity, humanity, and hope.
In the Milton Keynes axis, Embark Counselling Service exists as a service designed to support mental health in crisis through its community action to make mental health services accessible to everyone. Embark offers its services in an accessible building with plenty of free parking and aims to ensure that income is not a barrier for anyone seeking to access support.
