The importance of mental health to respond to and recover from disasters
In the wake of disasters, the emotional and psychological toll on affected communities can be profound, and the situation demands a holistic approach that encompasses both physical and psychological care.
The OCHA-UNDP Connecting Business Initiative (CBI) and its partners recognize that recovery is not only about rebuilding what has been lost, but also about healing the invisible wounds left behind. That's why on World Mental Health Day, we wanted to put the spotlight on examples from around the world where psychosocial support is a core component of disaster response - ensuring dignity, emotional care, and long-term resilience for those impacted.
Psychosocial training for first responders in Sri Lanka
An example that continues to guide the work of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL), a CBI Member Network, is the tragic landslide in Koslanda, Badulla District, in 2014. In the immediate aftermath, as survivors grappled with the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, the need for emotional support was urgent and undeniable. A-PAD Sri Lanka, together with dedicated medical professionals, stepped in - not only with physical aid, but with empathy and psychological care. Through a series of psychosocial support sessions, survivors were given space to express their grief, begin processing their trauma, and access professional mental health services.
Recognizing the importance of this dimension in disaster contexts, A-PAD Sri Lanka has since prioritized capacity building in psychosocial support. The "Psychosocial Response in Disaster Rescue" workshop equipped Search and Rescue (SAR) teams and partners from both the private sector and NGOs to identify psychological distress, offer immediate care, and make timely referrals to mental health professionals. It's often the SAR personnel who have immediate access and interaction with affected people.
This was further strengthened through the Psychological First Aid (PFA) orientation programme carried out with the support of GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). This training focused on empathetic communication, emotional resilience, and supporting disaster-affected individuals without compromising the well-being of responders themselves.
Today, A-PAD Sri Lanka SAR responders are trained not only in physical rescue operations, but also in the critical skills of psychological first aid. Importantly, their teams include female responders who play a vital role in creating a safe and approachable environment for affected women and children. Their presence enhances our ability to respond with sensitivity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the care and dignity they deserve.
The handbook "Psychological First Aid - Guide for rescue Personnel as First responders" is extensively used by SAR personnel during crises, and includes a section on how first responders can care for themselves and their team.
Mental Health as a pillar of Community Resilience in Mexico
In the six months that followed the devastating impact of Hurricane Otis in Mexico, CENACED, a CBI Member Network, collaborated with AVSI México, A.C. to offer psychological support in the Cumbres de Llano Largo neighbourhood in Acapulco, Guerrero.
Over 410 people participated in 18 workshops on socioemotional skills that were complemented by community events designed to collectively develop a local resilience plan. Participants included students, teachers, and families.
The workshops created safe spaces to recognize emotions, share experiences, and strengthen participants' capacities to face future crises with greater preparation and cohesion. Individuals learned to identify signs of post-traumatic stress, manage their emotions, and develop support networks. The objective was not only to offer psychosocial support at a critical time, but also to provide the foundation for a more conscious, empathetic, and prepared community.
Integrating mental health into disaster management
It feels particularly fitting that the theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is "Mental health in humanitarian emergencies" and while it's a natural tendency to focus on those affected by crises, it's also essential for those working in disaster management and emergency response to be mindful of their own mental health.
Some teams will intentionally get together at the end of the day to play card games to try and balance out the stress, some individuals might choose to go for a run. CBI does not pretend to provide any sort of professional advice on strategies to best manage stress or one's mental health, but there are resources and professionals available who can do just that.
"When you see the devastation, no matter how hard you work to help, it's easy to find your morale quite low. It's human nature to wish you could have done more. That's why at DHL we rotate teams frequently, have twice-daily team debriefs, and make sure everyone knows there is on-going support if they need it. Mental health is critical for first responders." - Kim Melville, Vice President of Humanitarian Affairs, DHL Group
As the World Health Organization says, "Crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important - it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities. That's why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone."
For additional information and resources, visit the World Mental Health Day page.