10 October is chosen to be World Mental Health Day. This year theme focuses on “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies”, highlights the essential need to support mental health during crises like natural disasters, and public health emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to WHO, around 1 in 5 people in conflicted-affected areas are estimated to have a mental health condition. Experiencing fear, anxiety or sadness in such circumstances is a normal reaction to very stressful events. Beyond food, water, and medicine, survivors also need mental health and psychosocial support to cope, recover, and rebuild. Making mental health and psychosocial support a core part of emergency response not only saves lives but also strengthens communities and health systems for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among people who are in need of mental health support during disasters and emergencies, field workers often face extreme stress due to the direct effect they respond to, heavy urgent workload in difficult working environment. To support field workers, in partnership with Medisetter, OUCRU\u2019s Public and Community Engagement Group organised a webinar focusing on helping field workers equip with psychological first aid for not just themselves but people around them. You can watch the webinar\u2019s recording here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n