Building sustainable mental health systems during and after emergencies

Summary

Over 160 million people worldwide require humanitarian aid due to conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies. While economic and mortality statistics are often used to measure crises, mental health issues can have an even greater impact, affecting one in five people. The video highlights the importance of expanding mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings. It showcases the efforts of humanitarian organizations, such as in Syria, where trained professionals are providing mental health care to communities impacted by conflict. Continued expansion of such services is critical to improving mental health outcomes during crises.

Takeaways

• 😀 More than 160 million people worldwide need humanitarian assistance due to conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies.
• 😀 Mental health issues often double the impact of humanitarian crises, with one in five people affected by conflict estimated to have a mental health condition.
• 😀 The economic, social, and health impacts of mental health conditions in emergency settings are extremely high.
• 😀 Increasing mental health and psychosocial support is crucial in the aftermath of humanitarian crises.
• 😀 Humanitarian organizations respond globally by working in health facilities and through community networks to expand mental health and psychosocial support services.
• 😀 Countries like Ukraine, South Sudan, Syria, Nigeria, Yemen, Somalia, and Bangladesh are among those where mental health services are being expanded.
• 😀 The Syrian conflict, which started in 2011, led to a severe shortage of mental health care, with millions of Syrians left without services.
• 😀 In response to the Syrian crisis, more than 500 health professionals were trained to provide care for people with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.
• 😀 By 2011, mental health services in Syria were limited to two psychiatric hospitals, but by now, services have expanded to over 130 health centers and community programs.
• 😀 Programs like the WHO’s mhGAP initiative are successfully integrating mental health care into primary care settings, offering more accessible services to people in need.

Q & A

What are the main causes of humanitarian crises as mentioned in the script?

Humanitarian crises are caused by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies, which have affected over 160 million people globally.

Why are mental health disorders a significant concern in humanitarian crises?

Mental health disorders are a major concern because they affect more than one in five people in conflict-affected areas. These conditions can double the impact of humanitarian crises, exacerbating the social, health, and economic toll on affected populations.

How do media typically measure the scale of humanitarian emergencies, and why is this problematic?

The media typically measures humanitarian emergencies through economic statistics or mortality rates. However, this approach overlooks the severe impact of mental health disorders, which are often more prevalent than the direct consequences such as deaths.

What is the importance of increasing mental health and psychosocial support during emergencies?

Increasing mental health and psychosocial support is crucial because it helps address the hidden but profound impact of mental health disorders, which can significantly affect individuals' ability to recover and rebuild their lives in crisis situations.

Which countries are mentioned in the script as examples of those receiving mental health support during crises?

The countries mentioned include Ukraine, South Sudan, Syria, Nigeria, Yemen, Somalia, Bangladesh, and many others that have received mental health and psychosocial support services in response to crises.

How did the Syrian conflict impact mental health care, and what has been done to address it?

The Syrian conflict led to the displacement of many health professionals, leaving 23 million Syrians with limited access to mental health care. In response, over 500 healthcare professionals were trained to provide mental health services, and free mental health care was expanded to more than 130 centers in 10 cities across Syria.

What specific improvements have been made in Syria regarding mental health services since 2011?

Since 2011, mental health services in Syria have expanded from just two psychiatric hospitals in Aleppo and Damascus to over 130 healthcare centers, including general health care facilities, social care services, and educational programs in 10 cities.

How did Samara, a woman from Syria, benefit from mental health support programs?

Samara, who lost her son in the conflict and was displaced to a camp, benefited from psychosocial support and mental health care at a primary health care clinic in the camp. She received counseling from a psychosocial worker and a doctor, which helped her improve her well-being and reconnect with her family and community.

What role does the WHO's mhGAP program play in integrating mental health care?

The WHO's mhGAP program is instrumental in integrating mental health care into primary health care settings, making mental health support more accessible to people affected by humanitarian emergencies.

What challenges remain in expanding mental health services in humanitarian emergencies?

Despite progress, much more needs to be done to expand mental health services in Syria and around the world. There are still gaps in service delivery, and more resources are needed to reach affected populations and provide ongoing care.