World Mental Health Day: October 10, 2007

Worldwide, some 450 million people suffer from a mental or behavioral disorder, yet only a small percentage have access to even the most basic treatment. In developing countries, most community members with severe mental disorders are simply left to suffer with private burdens such as depression, dementia, schizophrenia, and substance dependence. Many are victimized because of their illness and become targets of stigma and discrimination.

Traditionally, humanitarian relief agencies have not prioritized mental health care as a significant part of their activities, despite the widely recognized need. In fact, people recover faster when their mental health needs are being met, making it crucial that they be addressed early after a crisis or disaster.

International Medical Corps has been implementing psychosocial programs since 1993, but in 2003 began training primary health care providers to integrate mental health into their work, enabling them to identify and treat mental health problems. In addition, IMC sets up a variety of psychosocial support programs for the wider community depending on its needs.

Please join us on World Mental Health day in recognizing this important need.


Read the story: Mental Healing in Sri Lanka

Read a story from Indonesia: After Fifteen Years of Suffering, an Epileptic’s Life is Transformed

Read a story from Uganda: A Pioneering Program Helps Children Grow Healthier, Stronger, and Smarter

Read a recent editorial published in the British Medical Journal: Mental Health in Disaster Settings

Visit the World Health Organization's Newly Launched Mental Health Site

Visit our site on MENTAL HEALTH in emergency settings. CLICK HERE