World Mental health day - October 10, 2025

"Mental health in humanitarian crises"

World Mental health day reminds us that there is no true health without mental health. This year, the campaign is focused on the urgent need for psychological and social support for people affected by humanitarian crises.

Natural disasters, armed conflicts, and health emergencies result in profound emotional consequences. According to estimates, one in five people in such circumstances develops some form of mental health disorder. Mental health support in times of crisis is not just an issue of humanity, but it is about saving lives, empowering people to cope, giving them time to heal, and providing the opportunity to rebuild their lives, both on an individual level and within communities.

Therefore, it is crucial to act together – representatives from institutions, healthcare and social service providers, educators, and civil society organizations. Only through coordinated and collective efforts can we ensure access to the necessary support for the most vulnerable, while simultaneously preserving the psychological well-being of the entire population.

Why is this important?

·         In times of crisis, nearly everyone experiences psychological stress and disruption of social connections. People lose their homes, families are separated, and communities break down. Although only one in five people may develop a mental disorder, almost everyone affected experiences emotional distress, disruption of social bonds, and a loss of the sense of belonging to their communities, which often lasts long after the immediate danger has passed. Therefore, continuous mental health care and timely psychosocial support are crucial in the recovery process and in building resilience, especially for those with severe mental health disorders.

·         Migrants and refugees face constant psychological strain from various sources of stress: armed conflicts, displacement, dangerous journeys, and difficulties integrating into host countries. By the end of 2024, over 123 million people were forcibly displaced, with 71% living in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare is limited due to overburdened health systems, and mental health services are nearly inaccessible.

Mental health situation in Macedonia

According to the mental health disorders report in North Macedonia (2014-2023) prepared by the Institute for public health, approximately 6,000 hospital cases related to mental and behavioral disorders were registered annually over the last decade, according to WHO's ICD-10 classification.
The most common diagnoses are schizophrenia and related disorders (26.9%), as well as disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances (24.2%). In outpatient services, neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders dominate, making up over 60% of all cases, followed by mood disorders (13.6%) and schizophrenia (6.3%).

Research conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic shows that young people are particularly vulnerable – nearly one in three adolescents reported symptoms of depression or anxiety, indicating long-term psychological consequences from health and social crises.

Furthermore, according to the "COVID-19 Pandemic Consequences on the Health of the Adult Population in North Macedonia" study conducted in 2022, more than one-third of respondents reported experiencing increased stress, anxiety, or a sense of insecurity, while one in four reported symptoms of depression. Women, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those who lost a close family member or job were most affected. The pandemic also led to a deterioration of daily habits, such as disrupted sleep, poor diet, and reduced physical activity, which further impacted psychological well-being. These findings emphasize the importance of systemic psychosocial support and improving health literacy to cope with stress and crises.

Despite some progress, access to mental health services remains limited and insufficient, especially in rural areas where some healthcare facilities are facing shortages of professionals and uneven distribution of resources. To improve mental health nationwide, it is necessary to strengthen prevention, develop mobile teams, and provide remote mental health services (online psychological support), as well as integrate mental health into all public policies, from education and employment to social and youth protection.

A key priority is increasing budgetary investments in this area, focusing on prevention, continuous education for healthcare and social workers, and reducing stigma and discrimination through public campaigns that promote the importance of mental health care and positive examples of recovery.

Special emphasis should be placed on mental health programs for children and youth, by incorporating psychological support into schools and strengthening professional services. By strengthening mental health centers at the local level and creating conditions for timely and accessible support, a society can be built where mental health is recognized as a priority and a shared social responsibility.

Key Messages for 2025

·         Mental health in crisis situations
Conflicts, disasters, and health emergencies leave serious consequences for mental health. It is estimated that one in five people in areas affected by crises has some form of mental disorder. Fear, anxiety, or sadness are natural responses to exposure to extremely stressful events.

·         Mental health is a precondition for life rebuilding
In addition to food, water, and medicine, survivors need psychological and social support to cope, recover, restore hope, and rebuild their lives.

·         Integrating mental health into crisis response
When mental health and psychosocial support are integral parts of every crisis response plan, it not only saves lives but strengthens the health system and creates more resilient communities.

·         Investing in mental health means investing in recovery
Investing in mental health services and psychosocial support helps families, communities, and economies recover from crises, contributes to building stronger health systems, and strengthens long-term resilience capacity.

·         Mental health care saves lives
The Minimum Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) service package offers proven solutions for coordinated, timely, and effective care in emergency situations.

·         Inclusive mental health care creates stronger communities
Support must cover all groups: children, adults, people with disabilities, refugees, and those with existing mental health disorders. Barriers such as stigma, discrimination, financial difficulties, and language barriers need to be overcome.

·         Promoting mental well-being through different approaches
From self-help tools and psychological first aid to specialized mental health services, all forms of support should be accessible and tailored to community needs.

·         Caring for humanitarian workers’ well-being
They are exposed to high levels of stress and are often directly affected by the crises they respond to. Therefore, organizations should provide professional supervision, rest time, support, and workplace mental health programs to preserve their integrity, stability, and effectiveness.

·         Protect your own mental health
Make your mental health a priority! Stay connected with loved ones, be physically active, follow a healthy daily routine, reduce alcohol consumption, engage in activities that fulfill you, and seek help and support when needed from friends, family, or healthcare professionals.

On this World Mental health day, let us remember that caring for our mental health is caring for our overall health.
Mental health must be valued and protected, and services in this area must be available to everyone, especially in times of uncertainty, crises, and change.
Only through collective efforts and solidarity can we build a society that recognizes and nurtures mental well-being, just as it does physical health.

With evidence-based approaches and active community participation, we can respond more effectively to urgent needs. Therefore, continuous mental health care and psychosocial support should remain a priority during any crisis and beyond, as only with ongoing and accessible support can true recovery and social resilience be achieved.

Let this day serve as a reminder that mental health care is a shared responsibility and the foundation for stronger, happier, and more resilient communities.