World Mental Health Day 2025: Strengthening Mental Health Support in Times of Crisis

As Nagaland joins the global community in observing World Mental Health Day 2025, the spotlight this year is on the theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” The theme, set by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the urgent need to make mental health care available and accessible to everyone, especially during times of disasters, crises, and conflict.

In recent years, the world has witnessed an increasing number of humanitarian emergencies — from wars and pandemics to natural disasters and social unrest. These events not only cause physical devastation but also leave deep psychological scars. According to WHO, one in five people living in conflict or disaster-affected areas experiences some form of mental health condition, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Yet, amid efforts to rebuild infrastructure and restore livelihoods, the emotional and psychological dimensions of recovery often receive less attention. The 2025 theme calls upon governments, organisations, and communities to recognise that mental health is integral to emergency preparedness and disaster response.

In relevance to Nagaland, our unique geography and socio-cultural context make the theme especially relevant. The state, prone to landslides, floods, and occasional community tensions, has seen how emergencies can disrupt not just physical safety but social harmony and emotional stability. During such times, uncertainty, displacement, and loss can give rise to stress, grief, and psychological distress.

Various studies point out that while physical injuries are visible, the mental wounds are often hidden — manifesting later as insomnia, fear, irritability, or hopelessness. Many people hesitate to seek help due to stigma or limited awareness about mental health services. Every emergency or disaster brings a wave of unseen suffering. Providing mental health support alongside medical and humanitarian relief is essential. Psychological first aid, counselling, and community outreach can help people process trauma and rebuild hope.

Furthermore, WHO emphasises that emergency response systems must include Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). This means ensuring that individuals already living with mental health conditions continue to receive care, even in times of crisis, and that new cases of psychological distress are identified and supported early.

Our state’s efforts such as the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) and mental health cells in district hospitals are helping to extend services to rural areas. However, our state still lack trained mental health personnel and accessibility remains a challenge. Therefore, Tele- MANAS was launched to bridge the gap by connecting individuals from even the remote villages to qualified professionals through a simple phone call.

In our society where churches and community groups play a central role in people’s lives, these networks can be powerful allies in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma. During times of crisis, faith-based and community organisations are often the first to respond.

By including mental health awareness and emotional support as part of their relief activities, they can make a profound difference.

Community volunteers trained in psychological first aid can provide comfort, listen empathetically, and guide individuals to appropriate services. Teachers, church workers, and youth leaders can act as first points of contact for those experiencing emotional distress.

World Mental Health Day 2025 reminds us that emotional recovery is a vital part of rebuilding after any catastrophe. It is not enough to restore homes and roads; we must also heal minds and hearts. Preparedness plans should include not only emergency drills and relief materials but also mental health care strategies and training for frontline workers in stress management and trauma support. Mental health is not a luxury that can wait until after the crisis. It is a critical part of survival and recovery. By integrating mental health care equipped with qualified professionals into all phases of emergency management, we build stronger, more resilient communities.

As Nagaland observes this year’s World Mental Health Day, the message is clear: Mental health care is a right, not a privilege. It must be available to everyone, everywhere, especially when people are most vulnerable. By investing in mental health awareness, training, and services, the state can ensure that every individual — whether in an urban centre or a remote village — has access to the support they need in times of crisis.

This October 10th, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building a compassionate, resilient, and mentally healthy Nagaland, where every person’s mind matters — in times of calm and in times of crisis.

Dial Toll FREE No- 14416 for consultation on any Mental Health Issues.

Dr Shijongyangla Longchar,

Senior Resident,

Psychiatry Department,

NIMSR.