World Mental Health Day: Hope for Healing Amid Conflict

On October 10, we commemorate World Mental Health Day, recognizing that mental health plays a vital role in supporting overall health. Since 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health has commemorated this day by recognizing advancements in mental health support that promote positive coping mechanisms, foster accepting spaces, and, ultimately, save lives.

October is also recognized as World Mental Health Month. This month, and every month, Anera is committed to providing essential mental health resources to the communities we serve. 

Both environmental and biological factors play a role in an individual’s mental health. Circumstances such as high unemployment, poor living conditions and political instability take a significant toll on mental health in many cities and countries around the world. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that risk factors such as individual psychology, biological factors, emotional skills and genetics that influence brain structure or function play a role in one’s mental health. When underlying risk factors and difficult circumstances coincide, as is often the case during instances of political conflict, fighting and natural disaster, mental illness is exacerbated.

According to WHO, during crises including natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies, one in five individuals experiences a mental health disorder. Without proper public healthcare infrastructure to treat these conditions, depression and anxiety become public health concerns that often go overlooked. 

World Mental Health Day 2025: Recognizing the Impact of Violence and Hardship on Mental Health in Palestine and Lebanon

Violence, isolation and extreme poverty shape mental health. In Gaza, a shortage of essential mental health medicines means many people suffering from schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and panic attacks cannot get the support they need. 

In Lebanon, there is a depression crisis amongst residents, impacting both refugees and civilians. Lebanon has been ranked the angriest and second saddest country in the world, reflected in the drastic influx of suicide hotline calls. Political instability, economic insecurity and hyperinflation have taken a toll on citizens’ and refugees’ mental health. For Syrian refugees in Lebanon, more than 22 percent suffer from depression, WHO reports. 

In many cases, children are most impacted by the crossfire, with traumatic events causing stress on their psyches at a vulnerable and impressionable age. Suffering traumatic events such as political conflict and natural disaster without the proper outlets to release emotions and process trauma can result in a higher likelihood of developing a mental illness as an adult.

For the men, women, children and communities affected by mental health crises, there is hope. Anera prioritizes improving mental health in the communities we serve by facilitating individual and group therapy sessions, helping youth process trauma through physical activity and the arts and dispersing essential mental health medicine for conditions such as depression and anxiety. 

This World Mental Health Day, Anera joins the global effort to ensure everyone has access to the mental health support they deserve.