Responding to World Mental Health Day October 10, 2025 with the theme "Access to mental health care services in disasters and emergencies"

World Mental Health Day (October 10) was first held in 1992 at the initiative of the World Mental Health Federation. World Mental Health Day is held annually on October 10 with the aim of educating, raising awareness and supporting the cause of mental health care. World Mental Health Day 2025 with the theme "Access to Mental Health Care in Disasters and Emergencies". To emphasize the importance of mental health care in natural disasters such as storms, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes... or emergency situations such as conflicts, wars, accidents...

 

In Vietnam, every year hundreds of thousands of people are affected by emergencies such as natural disasters, conflicts, epidemics, serious accidents, etc., which disrupt families, livelihoods and essential services. These emergencies can exacerbate mental health and social problems such as poverty and discrimination. They can also contribute to new problems such as family separation and social ills.

Most people affected by an emergency experience psychological stress, including feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, sleep problems, fatigue, irritability, etc. This psychological stress usually improves over time, with only a small number later developing mental health conditions. Of these, about 22% may suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia; About 13% suffer from mild forms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder; About 9% suffer from moderate or severe mental disorders.

When an emergency occurs such as a flood, landslide, epidemic or serious accident, we often pay attention to food relief, clean water, medicine. But there is one very important thing that is often forgotten: mental health issues. After a natural disaster or major event, many people feel panic, anxiety, insomnia, sadness or emotional paralysis. Children may be scared, cry at night, study poorly or cling to loved ones. Elderly people or women may suffer from depression, sleep disorders or feel abandoned... These feelings are completely normal in unusual circumstances, but if not listened to, shared or supported in time, they can seriously affect health and life later.

Access to mental health care services in disasters and emergencies, ensuring mental health for people is not only a medical issue, but also an indispensable part of sustainable socio -economic development, especially in the context of climate change and increasing disaster risks.

Responding to World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2025 with the theme "Access to mental health care services in disasters and emergencies", to increase people's access to mental health care services, it is necessary for the health sector, local authorities and the community to join in propaganda activities, raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental disorders. Regularly organize community activities, talk shows, especially at schools and community centers.

In addition, focus on improving the capacity of the grassroots health system, training specialized health workers. Establishing rapid medical response teams and setting up psychological counseling hotlines in emergency situations. Strengthening inter-sectoral coordination, connecting resources and mobilizing the community to participate in early detection and support for people affected by psychological problems in disasters and emergencies, with the goal of leaving no one behind.

 

Plum Blossom

Source: https://soyte.caobang.gov.vn/tin-tuc-66446/huong-ung-ngay-suc-khoe-tam-than-the-gioi-10-10-nam-2025-voi-chu-de-tiep-can-dich-vu-cham-soc-su-1029209