World Mental Health Day 2025: Access to Services for Persons with Disabilities in Catastrophes and Emergencies

Every year, World Mental Health Day is marked on 10 October to bring people, organizations, and governments together to raise awareness about mental health. In 2025, the theme is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” This theme is especially important for persons with disabilities, who often face the greatest risks during crises but have the least access to the help they need.

This article explores why this theme matters, the challenges persons with disabilities face during catastrophes and emergencies, the good work of organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and how we can all act to make mental health support more inclusive.

Why This Year’s Theme Matters

When disasters strike,  whether they are natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, conflicts, or public health emergencies,  everyone is affected. But for persons with disabilities, the impact can be far worse.

• They may not be able to evacuate quickly.

• They may lose access to their mobility aids or assistive devices.

• They may be cut off from support networks or caregivers.

• They may face higher risks of injury or death.

And even when they survive physically, the emotional and mental health toll can be devastating. People may experience trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But many never receive help because mental health services are too far away, too expensive, or not adapted to their needs.

This is why the 2025 theme is so important. It is a call to action to ensure mental health care is not a luxury but a universal right, especially in times of crisis.

The Intersection of Disability and Mental Health

It’s important to understand that mental health and disability are deeply connected:

• Some people live with psychosocial disabilities (such as long-term mental health conditions).

• Others may have physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities and develop mental health challenges during or after emergencies.

• Many people face double stigma: for having a disability and for needing mental health support.

The result is that persons with disabilities are more likely to be left out of emergency plans and more likely to be invisible in mental health policies. They may face barriers such as:

• Lack of accessible information (no sign language, no Braille, no easy-read versions).

• Services located in buildings they cannot physically access.

• Professionals who are not trained to support their specific needs.

Addressing these barriers is not optional, it is essential to saving lives and protecting dignity.

WHO’s Role in Promoting Mental Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) is one of the leading global bodies working to improve mental health for everyone. WHO has repeatedly emphasized that mental health is a universal human right, including during disasters and emergencies.

For World Mental Health Day 2025, WHO is urging governments and partners to:

• Integrate mental health into emergency response plans. This means making sure mental health support is part of disaster preparedness, not an afterthought.

• Train responders to support people with disabilities. Emergency workers should know how to communicate with and assist persons with disabilities respectfully.

• Invest in accessible mental health services. This includes mobile teams, community-based support, and telehealth options.

• Promote participation. People with disabilities should be part of planning and decision-making, not just recipients of aid.

By following WHO’s recommendations, countries can build systems that protect everyone’s mental health during crises.

Real-Life Challenges in Emergencies

To understand the urgency, consider these real scenarios:

• A wheelchair user in a flood zone may be stranded on an upper floor without evacuation support, feeling helpless and terrified. The trauma of that experience can last for years.

• A person who is blind may be separated from their guide or caregiver during an earthquake and be unable to find a safe exit or emergency shelter.

• A child with an intellectual disability may be overwhelmed by the chaos of a conflict situation, with no one trained to help them stay calm and safe.

In each case, mental health support,counselling, peer support groups, medication, safe spaces,can make a difference between long-term suffering and recovery. But only if the services are there and accessible.

Building Inclusive Mental Health Services

So, what does inclusive mental health support look like during catastrophes and emergencies?

1. Accessibility:

• Physical access to clinics, shelters, and service points.

• Information in multiple formats (sign language, Braille, large print, easy-read).

2. Affordability:

• Free or low-cost services, especially during emergencies.

• Coverage under emergency aid programs.

3. Cultural Sensitivity:

• Respect for diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences.

• Awareness of stigma around disability and mental health.

4. Training:

• Emergency responders trained in disability inclusion and psychological first aid.

• Health workers trained to provide trauma-informed care.

5. Participation:

• Persons with disabilities involved in planning, delivering, and evaluating services.

6. Continuity of Care:

• Ensuring that mental health support continues after the immediate emergency is over.

When these elements are in place, people can recover faster, rebuild their lives, and even contribute to their communities’ resilience.

The Role of Communities

Governments and big organizations have a key role, but local communities are just as important. Community-based organizations can:

• Identify persons with disabilities in their area.

• Set up support groups and safe spaces.

• Share information about available mental health services.

• Train volunteers in basic psychological support.

By working together, communities can fill gaps and ensure no one is left behind during crises.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest barriers to mental health support for persons with disabilities is stigma. People may fear being labeled as “weak” or “crazy” if they seek help. Others may believe that mental health services are not for them.

We must change this narrative:

• Mental health support is a human right.

• Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• People with disabilities have the same right to mental health care as anyone else.

By talking openly about mental health, sharing positive stories, and celebrating recovery, we can reduce stigma and encourage more people to get the support they need.

How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t have to work for a big organization to help. Here are ways you can support mental health for persons with disabilities during catastrophes and emergencies:

• Learn and share information. Talk about the theme of World Mental Health Day 2025.

• Support inclusive organizations. Donate or volunteer with groups like WHO, Sightsavers, or local disability rights organizations.

• Advocate. Ask your local leaders to make emergency plans inclusive of persons with disabilities and mental health services.

• Be a friend. Check on people with disabilities in your neighborhood, especially during crises. Offer emotional support and practical help.

Small actions add up. Together, we can create communities where mental health support is available to everyone, even in the hardest times.

Love Your Mind, Include Everyone

World Mental Health Day 2025 is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a movement for change. By focusing on “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, we are saying that no one should be left behind,especially persons with disabilities.

This year, let’s commit to:

• Making mental health part of every emergency plan.

• Ensuring services are accessible, affordable, and inclusive.

• Supporting organizations like WHO and Sightsavers in their efforts to integrate mental health and disability inclusion.

• Speaking out against stigma and discrimination.

Your voice matters. Your actions matter. Whether you are a policymaker, a health worker, a caregiver, or simply a neighbor, you can help create a world where everyone’s mental health is protected,even in times of disaster.

Conclusion

This reminds us that mental health is not just about surviving; it’s about living with dignity, hope, and connection. For persons with disabilities, this means removing barriers, providing tailored support, and recognizing their rights as equal members of society.

Organizations like WHO  show us what’s possible when we work together. But real change will only happen if each of us plays our part.

On 10 October 2025, and every day after, let’s raise our voices for mental health inclusion. Let’s build systems and communities where no one is invisible. Let’s stand with persons with disabilities and ensure that mental health support reaches them when they need it most.

Because mental health is for everyone, especially in times of catastrophe and emergency.