Every year on October 10, the world comes together to raise awareness and take action for mental health. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is “Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” It’s a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, mental well-being matters just as much as physical safety.

The Mental Health Toll of Emergencies

Disasters—whether natural, social, or man-made—can leave lasting psychological scars. Most people affected by emergencies experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, irritability, fatigue, or sleep disturbances. For many, these symptoms fade over time, but others develop more persistent mental health conditions. According to the World Mental Health Day 2025 official report, an estimated 22% of people affected by conflict or catastrophe may experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental disorders, with about 9% facing moderate to severe symptoms.

The Hidden Impact of Media Exposure

In our hyperconnected world, you don’t have to be in a war zone to feel its effects. Media coverage of tragedies and conflicts can have a powerful impact on mental health—even for those far from danger.

Research published in JMIR Mental Health (2025) found that constant exposure to war-related news—such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine—has significantly increased stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms across populations in Europe and Asia. Another study published in Frontiers in Psychology warns that viewing graphic or distressing media related to mass violence or conflict can extend the emotional trauma far beyond the areas directly affected.

Even the American Psychological Association (APA) has noted that media overload can fuel feelings of helplessness, irritability, and fear. Taking breaks from coverage, setting boundaries on social media, and focusing on verified, limited updates can help protect your mental well-being.

Coping Strategies for Those in Crisis

If you’re living through an emergency or supporting others who are, here are a few ways to safeguard your mental health, adapted from the World Mental Health Day 2025 toolkit:

• Stay connected: Reach out to trusted people—friends, family, neighbors, or local organizations—for emotional and practical support.
  
• Keep a routine: Regular meals, movement, and sleep schedules can restore a sense of stability.
  
• Acknowledge your feelings: Fear, anger, and grief are normal reactions to abnormal events. Give yourself space to feel without judgment.
  
• Seek professional help: If distress lasts longer than a few weeks or interferes with daily life, mental health professionals can help you process and heal.
  

Caring for Your Mind in the Age of Constant News

If you find yourself feeling emotionally drained by the constant flow of distressing world events, you’re not alone. Consider these self-care practices:

• Limit exposure to news and social media, especially before bed.
  
• Focus on reliable sources and avoid doom-scrolling.
  
• Engage in grounding activities—deep breathing, spending time outdoors, or creative expression.
  
• Look for the helpers. As Fred Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
  

Finding Hope Amid Hardship

Even in moments of collective trauma, humanity’s resilience shines through. Mental health support—whether through professional care, community programs, or compassionate connection—can turn pain into strength and isolation into recovery.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s honor those who are struggling and recommit to creating a world where everyone has access to the care, compassion, and stability they need to heal.