by Zoe Brown, Honorary Assistant Psychologist
‘There is no health without mental health’
As of September 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that over 1 billion people are currently experiencing a mental health problem, while 1 in 2 people will experience a mental health condition within their lifetime. As we all know, poor mental health has adverse effects on our physical health – research has shown that those with a mental health problem are more likely to have a physical health problem such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Simultaneously, decreased physical health impacts our mental health through hormonal imbalances or social isolation through withdrawing from daily activities. Hence, mental health is just as important as our physical health.
Importance of World Mental Health Day
With this in mind, World Mental Health Day is essential to raising awareness for our mental health and wellbeing. Taking place on Friday 10th October; it serves to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage mental health support globally. The day allows those who work in the mental health profession to unite and advocate positive mental health through demonstrating their work and emphasises the next steps we can take as to ensure mental health care is equitable worldwide.
WHO World Mental Health Day Theme 2025 – Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 emphasises the necessity to support the mental health and wellbeing needs of individuals affected by humanitarian emergencies – for example, events such as natural disasters and conflicts. Such emergencies affect the population as a whole – whether you are an individual experiencing it first hand or living through fear of the news. Homes are lost, families are displaced, community spirit is shattered and typical daily life is halted. For those of us at home, news coverage can become very overwhelming. This theme allows support not only during the crises but also throughout the aftermath – the long-term effects, at a personal level and as a community.
Direct effects of Global Emergencies on Mental Health
WHO state that at the end of 2024, 123 million people had no choice but to relocate across the world. Of which, 70% were placed in low and middle income countries – where there is already a lack of profound healthcare systems, never mind follow up mental health services. Given this, refugees and migrants that experience crises are more likely to experience mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD) compared to the general population. While 1 in 5 people in conflict-affected areas are likely to have a mental health condition – due to fear and anxiety of such traumatic life events.
-Next steps to tackle direct effects of global emergencies on mental health-
- Inclusive care – mental health care must meet the needs of children, adults, older people, people with disabilities, refugees and people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Whilst acknowledging stigma, discrimination, costs and language.
- Protecting wellbeing of humanitarian workers – organisations should provide rest, supervision, peer support and workplace mental health programmes to promote effective responses to such crises.
- Emphasis on deeper psychosocial needs – support should not stop once basic needs (food, water, shelter) are restored. Further support for mental health is essential to moving on and restoring lives.
Indirect effects of Global Emergencies on Mental Health
Relentlessly being bombarded with distressing news from around the world can also have huge negative effects on our mental health. Research shows that there in an increasing number of individuals who report anxiety and emotional distress due to constant news cycles – particularly young adults. ‘Doomscrolling’ creates a feedback loop where we seek negative news, briefly feel anxious yet rewarded by new information, then attempt to find more.
-Approaches to tackle negative emotions through bad news exposure-
- Limit your news intake – set realistic boundaries on how often and when you check the news. Avoid starting or ending your day with headlines.
- Choose reliable news sources – avoid clickbait media and be mindful of bias news.
- Don’t just fixate on the negative – it is easy to get trapped in a whirl of negative articles, balance negative news with more positive news articles.
- Focus on what you can control – the majority of topics covered in the news is out with your immediate control. You can support change in your own ways, such as helping someone in need, assisting a local charity or writing to an MP. You can control how you respond to overwhelming news.
- Break unhealthy habits – tackle doomscrolling by putting your phone away at set times to focus on a self-care activity.
How do I get involved in World Mental Health Day?
Take a look at the 5 S’s that you can use to show your support for World Mental Health Day:
Start the conversation – speaking up is the first step to breaking mental health stigma. Reach out to those around you. You can help others whilst helping yourself too!
Spread the word – use the hashtag #worldmentalhealthday across social media; share posts and resources to increase awareness.
Start moving – register with the Mental Health Foundation to walk 100 Miles in November. Physical activity has shown numerous benefits to our mental health, whilst a challenge can boost our sense of self-esteem and achievement!
Style with green – green is the signified colour for mental health awareness – it resembles harmony, renewal and growth. Wear some green to show your support!
Self-care – stay in touch with your own mental health by putting time aside to do something for your own benefit – even something small like a walk, reading or journalling.