World Mental Health Day 2025, ppt presentation

World Mental Health Day, 10, October, 2025
Theme: Access to service - Mental Health in catastrophes and emergencies.

1. World Mental Health Day 2025 Theme: Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies Prof. Dr. Ramar G Principal, Apex College of Nursing, Varanasi 10 October 2025

2. Introduction World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness and promote global mental health advocacy. Initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992.

3. Theme 2025 The 2025 theme focuses on 'Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.' It highlights the importance of ensuring mental health care in crises like disasters, conflicts, and pandemics.

4. Importance of Mental Health Mental health is vital for wellbeing, productivity, and resilience. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Promoting mental health reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking.

5. Global Burden Over 970 million people globally suffer from mental or substance use disorders (WHO, 2024). Depression and anxiety are leading causes of disability worldwide.

6. Mental Health in Emergencies In crises, 1 in 5 people may develop mental health conditions. Emergencies disrupt care systems, cause trauma, and increase stress and uncertainty.

7. WHO Statement The WHO emphasizes integrating mental health and psychosocial support into emergency health responses to save lives and strengthen community recovery.

8. Challenges in Emergencies • Infrastructure breakdown • Shortage of professionals • Stigma and fear • Cost and accessibility barriers • Lack of policy integration

9. Statistics • 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental disorder • 123 million people were forcibly displaced by end of 2024 • Less than 2% of global health budgets go to mental health

10. Impact on Vulnerable Groups Children, women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and refugees face higher risk due to disrupted support networks and trauma exposure.

11. India’s Mental Health Scenario India faces rising mental health concerns. The National Mental Health Programme aims to integrate services at all healthcare levels.

12. Barriers to Access • Limited awareness • Cultural stigma • Poor infrastructure • Shortage of psychiatrists and psychologists • Cost and distance

13. Strategies and Solutions • Integrate mental health in emergency response • Train first responders in Psychological First Aid • Tele-mental health support • Task shifting to non-specialists

14. Role of Governments Governments must allocate funds, strengthen systems, and ensure mental health is part of emergency preparedness and disaster management.

15. Role of NGOs and Communities NGOs provide psychosocial support, community resilience programs, and awareness campaigns in disaster zones.

16. Best Practices Examples: • Psychological First Aid (PFA) • Community-based support • Integration in primary care • School mental health programs

17. Case Study During the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-counseling and digital mental health services provided essential psychological support globally.

18. Call to Action • Raise awareness • Promote access and inclusion • Support training and research • Encourage open discussion on mental health

19. Self-Care and Resilience Promote mindfulness, yoga, and peer support to maintain emotional balance and mental strength.

20. Role of Nursing Professionals Nurses play a vital role in identifying, supporting, and advocating for mental health care in community and hospital settings.

21. Future Directions Invest in mental health infrastructure, education, digital health, and policy reforms to build sustainable systems.

22. Key Takeaways Mental health is a human right. Access to services during emergencies is essential for healing and recovery.

23. Summary Integration, collaboration, and compassion are key to protecting mental health in catastrophes and emergencies.

24. Thank You Presented by: Prof. Dr. Ramar G Principal, Apex College of Nursing, Varanasi World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2025 #MentalHealthForAll