Neftaly: The Importance of Mental Health in Public Health Responses to Humanitarian Crises

Introduction

Humanitarian crises—whether caused by conflict, natural disasters, pandemics, or displacement—create immense psychological distress alongside physical harm. In these situations, mental health is often overlooked, despite being essential to recovery, resilience, and long-term public health.

At Neftaly, we advocate for mental health to be recognized as a core pillar of humanitarian response, ensuring that affected individuals and communities receive the emotional and psychological support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

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Why Mental Health Matters in Humanitarian Crises

1. Widespread Psychological Impact

• Crises expose people to trauma, grief, loss, violence, and uncertainty.
• Common mental health effects include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and psychosomatic conditions.
• Vulnerable groups—such as children, women, and displaced persons—are at higher risk.

2. Mental Health Shapes Recovery

• Without mental health support, individuals may struggle to make decisions, rebuild livelihoods, or care for families.
• Emotional distress can delay physical healing, reduce engagement with aid services, and undermine social cohesion.

3. Stigma and Silence Delay Help

• In many settings, mental health needs are hidden due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness.
• Public health responses that do not address psychological well-being miss a crucial part of recovery.

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Integrating Mental Health into Public Health Responses

✅ 1. Psychosocial First Aid

• Train frontline workers to provide immediate emotional support, active listening, and reassurance.
• Address basic needs such as safety, shelter, and food alongside emotional care.

✅ 2. Community-Based Support

• Mobilize community leaders, health workers, and peer groups to create safe spaces for expression and support.
• Promote group-based interventions like support circles, youth clubs, or trauma-informed community activities.

✅ 3. Mental Health in Health Systems

• Embed mental health services into primary care clinics and mobile health units.
• Ensure displaced populations and marginalized groups can access culturally appropriate mental health care.

✅ 4. Information and Education

• Disseminate messages about normal reactions to stress and where to seek help.
• Use media, posters, and community radio to reduce stigma and increase awareness.

✅ 5. Long-Term Follow-Up

• Crises have long-lasting impacts; mental health support must continue beyond the emergency phase.
• Support programs for grief, trauma, and rebuilding resilience over time.

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Neftaly’s Response

Neftaly is committed to:

• Training humanitarian workers in psychological first aid and basic mental health support.
• Advocating for mental health to be prioritized in all emergency planning and funding.
• Building partnerships with local governments and NGOs to ensure sustainable mental health systems.
• Raising awareness about the invisible impacts of crises and the need for emotional recovery.

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Conclusion

Mental health is not a luxury in times of crisis—it is a lifesaving necessity. Ignoring psychological wellbeing undermines recovery and leaves communities vulnerable long after the crisis has passed.

Neftaly believes every humanitarian response must address both the body and the mind—because true recovery is only possible when people are supported to feel safe, heard, and whole again.