World Mental Health Day was October 10, but its message continues throughout the year. At the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD), we recognize that good health isn’t possible without good mental health. It shapes how we think, connect, and live. For many Minnesotans, mental health conditions are also disabilities that affect daily life. MCD wants to end stigma and promote understanding of mental health disabilities across Minnesota.
Mental Health in Emergencies
Humanitarian emergencies such as conflict, disasters, and community violence all create intense stress. That stress can worsen existing mental health conditions or trigger new ones. Whether a disaster affects thousands or only one household, our bodies still react to danger in similar ways.
Some fear or anxiety is a normal response to stress. But for survivors to recover and rebuild, mental health support is essential. Without it, ongoing stress can lead to sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, anger, or headaches, or other troubling symptoms. Over time, it can keep us from living according to our values and goals.
Front Line Workers and Mental Health
Field workers and first responders often see the effects of disaster up close. They can learn about Psychological First Aid in this University of Minnesota training course, Psychological First Aid (video on YouTube) or the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Psychological First Aid guide. As community members, we can support those on the front lines by advocating for clear and timely access to counseling and other mental health resources.
Caring for Yourself During a Crisis
If you’re experiencing or recovering from a disaster, there are ways to protect your mental well-being:
- Take care of your health: eat regular meals, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep.
- Follow regular routines and take medications as prescribed.
- Keep physically active when possible.
- Limit alcohol use.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation.
- Limit the time you spend watching or listening to troubling content.
- Use free self-help tools such as this WHO stress management guide.
- Stay connected to your community.
- Spend time on meaningful activities such as caring for pets, tending plants, creating art, or helping others.
- Reach out to trusted friends and family, or talk to professionals for help.
For more resources, visit Disaster Behavioral Health and Emergency Preparedness from the Minnesota Department of Health.
A Shared Commitment
World Mental Health Day reminds us that caring for mental health is a shared responsibility—and one that can extend well beyond the everyday. By supporting one another and normalizing mental health care, we help build communities that are healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive—no matter the circumstances.