Mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian emergencies

Abstract

Armed conflicts and natural disasters impact negatively on the mental health and well-being of affected populations in the short-and long-term and affect the care of people with pre-existing mental health conditions. This paper outlines specific actions for mental health and psychosocial support by the health sector in the preparedness, response and recovery phases of emergencies. Broad recommendations for ministries of health are to: (1) embed mental health and psychosocial support in national health and emergency preparedness plans; (2) put in place national guidelines, standards and supporting tools for the provision of mental health and psychosocial support during emergencies; (3) strengthen the capacity of health professionals to identify and manage priority mental disorders during emergencies; and (4) utilize opportunities generated by the emergency response to contribute to development of sustainable mental health-care services. ‫اإلنسانية‬ ‫الطوارئ‬ ‫حاالت‬ ‫يف‬ ‫االجتامعي‬ ‫النفيس‬ ‫والدعم‬ ‫النفسية‬ ‫الصحة‬

Burden of eye disease and demand for care in the Bangladesh Rohingya displaced population and host community: A cohort study

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The impact of mental health and psychosocial support programmes for populations affected by humanitarian emergencies: A systematic review protocol

“…psychosis) are less commonly reported in the literature and their presence is often attributable to pre-existing mental health condition, access to MHPSS during or after a humanitarian crisis are still be required. 15 The psychosocial impact of humanitarian emergencies at an individual, family and community level can be sufficiently serious to limit a person's ability to function and cope with everyday life. Communities, often in a state of social flux with limited access to resources, may also find themselves with a reduced capacity to respond to the social support needs generated by the emergency.…”

Scaling up action for mental health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: an overview

“…A disproportionately high number of countries in the Region have had, or are continuing to deal with, complex emergencies. Van Ommeren et al review the evidence for 4 strategic interventions aimed at helping countries prepare for and minimize the damaging effects of complex emergencies on mental health (23).…”