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Tanyaradzwa Mutseura and Taygeta Zihwi, Features Correspondents
THIS year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, could not be more relevant to the times we live in. Across the globe, people have experienced crises that have disrupted their lives from political unrest and economic collapse to pandemics, earthquakes, floods and wars. These catastrophes do not only destroy property and livelihoods but also leave invisible scars on mental health.
In the Zimbabwean context, this theme speaks directly to our lived reality. Over the years, communities across the country have faced numerous emergencies and disasters that have had significant psychological effects. The memories of Cyclone Idai still linger in the hearts of many who lost their loved ones and homes. Recurrent droughts, flash floods, the Covid-19 pandemic, outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, and on-going economic hardships continue to threaten people’s sense of security and well-being. Many Zimbabweans today live under constant stress, dealing with unemployment, migration of family members, and the rising cost of living. All these experiences, though sometimes overlooked, are silent catastrophes that take a heavy toll on mental health.
According to Professor Bahre-Kohler, President of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), millions of people worldwide have been affected by catastrophes and emergencies, and nearly one-third of those affected may experience significant mental health consequences. This includes anxiety, depression, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), not only among survivors but also among those offering help. As community psychologists, we have seen first-hand how crises affect individuals, families, and communities long after the event itself. The wounds may not always be visible, but they run deep.
It is therefore critical to have a well-co-ordinated plan for responding to the psychological aftermath of disasters and emergencies. However, we must first acknowledge that access to mental health services in Zimbabwe is already limited even under normal circumstances. There are very few trained mental health professionals across the country, and most of them are concentrated in major cities. Rural areas, which often bear the brunt of natural disasters, have minimal or no access to psychological support. In addition, there are shortages of medication, stigma surrounding mental illness, and limited awareness of where to seek help. For many people, mental health care remains a luxury they cannot afford.
To strengthen access to services, it is vital that psychological support be integrated into all levels of emergency response. Frontline workers, first responders, teachers, community leaders, and health care providers should be trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) so that they can offer immediate emotional support when disasters strike. Community-based interventions should form the backbone of our mental health response. They should be practical, accessible, and culturally sensitive. When people are supported in familiar environments by trusted community members, healing becomes more possible.
Moreover, there is a need to protect the rights and dignity of individuals living with severe mental health conditions, including those in psychiatric institutions, rehabilitation centres and communities. Access to treatment should not be disrupted during emergencies, and mental health must be integrated into disaster management policies at all levels.
The World Federation for Mental Health has developed a useful toolkit that provides guidance for professionals and organisations working in disaster and emergency contexts, and it can be accessed on their website under World Mental Health Day — October 10.
As Zimbabwe continues to face both natural and socio-economic challenges, we must remember that mental health is a cornerstone of resilience. Building emotionally strong communities requires investment not only in infrastructure but also in the mental well-being of citizens. Every person deserves access to mental health care, regardless of where they live or what crisis they face.
This World Mental Health Day, let us remember that there is no health without mental health.
The call is for all of us; policymakers, health workers, churches, schools, and community members to work together in ensuring that mental health services are accessible even in the most difficult times. When we prioritise mental well-being, we nurture a society that can recover, rebuild, and rise stronger from any catastrophe.
Happy World Mental Health Day 2025 — we all deserve access to mental health care.
Online Reporter