Mental Health & Psychosocial Support

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Humanitarian Settings

Frequently overlooked and often neglected, mental health conditions pose a major public health challenge. Survivors of conflict and disaster are at higher risk for psychological distress and mental health conditions, due to continued and overwhelming chaos and uncertainty, as well as the enormity of loss that often includes homes, community, loved ones and livelihoods.

As one of the few global emergency response organizations with the capacity to address the immediate and lasting mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs of those struck by conflict, disaster and disease, International Medical Corps is an acknowledged leader in providing MHPSS services during emergencies. We are known for the quality of our programs and services, and are committed to building sustainable local capacity and to providing comprehensive, integrated, community-based mental health services and psychosocial support activities that promote resilience and well-being. As communities recover and development begins, we focus on the longer term, to help strengthen mental health care systems and shape national policies.

Mental health conditions account for 4 of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide.

In emergency settings, 1 in 5 people will have a mental health condition. Rates of those suffering with common mental health conditions can double from 10% to about 22%, while 2 to 3% of the population experiences severe mental disorders.

The annual cost of mental illness globally is projected to rise to $6 trillion by 2030.

We have achieved significant breakthroughs in the fight for comprehensive mental health care by:

advocating for mental health care with donors, governments and policymakers, taking a lead in assessing needs and mapping services, coordinating activities of different actors and promoting best practices and guidelines;
launching large-scale initiatives to bring MHPSS to displaced populations living in emergency conditions;
training medical and non-medical professionals to strengthen national health systems—particularly to address refugee and internal displacement crises;
implementing an approach centered on mental health case management that identifies, supports and protects those who are vulnerable and that promotes stability and recovery;
working with traditional community-based support groups and key people who can offer basic psychosocial support within the community; and
linking existing community support groups with local doctors and nurses trained by International Medical Corps to strengthen and expand the continuum of care from the community level to other local, regional and national health facilities.

Areas of Focus

Leadership in Mental Health

Building Comprehensive Services

Integrating Into Primary Healthcare

Child and Youth Activities

Overview

International Medical Corps plays a leading role in the advancement of mental health systems in humanitarian settings. We contribute to the development of global guidelines and national policies for improving mental health and well-being among affected populations.

Between 2011 and 2030 mental health conditions will account for the loss of $16.1 trillion in economic growth.

Globally, about 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety, resulting in $1 trillion in lost productivity.

Overview

International Medical Corps is one of the few global emergency response organizations with the capacity to address the immediate psychosocial needs of communities struck by disaster and to help those with preexisting mental disorders at the community level.

Three out of four people with mental health conditions do not receive care in low- and middle-income countries.

Mental health is critically important to the overall health, economy and social development of whole communities and societies—not just individuals experiencing mental illness.

Overview

International Medical Corps uses a comprehensive approach to adapt training materials to the local context, providing foundational training and supervision, supporting institutional changes and capacity building, and evaluating results to inform policy, practice and expansion.

Low-income countries have an average of only one psychiatrist per every 2 million people.

Discrimination and stigma create barriers for people with mental illness who are trying to access health and social services.

Globally, the number of skilled providers of mental health services is limited, inadequate and mostly centralized in major cities and national capitals.

Overview

International Medical Corps projects for children and youth are designed to build key life skills and help them deal with difficult situations and develop friendships while encouraging them to engage in communities.

During the first six years of life, when development for cognitive, social, emotional and physical attributes are most critical, positive interaction with caregivers is vital not only to children but also beneficial for maternal well-being.

Across all countries, suicide is a major cause of mortality during adolescence.

Adolescence is the time when many mental health issues emerge. Approximately half of lifetime mental disorders—including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety-related disorders, impulse-control disorders and substance-control disorders—begin by age 14.

How Ukrainian resilience supports mental health in displaced communities

When International Medical Corps’ mental health expert, Claire Whitney visited displaced Ukrainians during the Russian invasion, she found incredible perseverance and communal generosity.