title: Mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian emergencies.
abstract: Armed conflicts and natural disasters impact negatively on the mental health and well-being of affected populations in the short- and long-term and affect the care of people with pre-existing mental health conditions. This paper outlines specific actions for mental health and psychosocial support by the health sector in the preparedness, response and recovery phases of emergencies. Broad recommendations for ministries of health are to: (1) embed mental health and psychosocial support in national health and emergency preparedness plans; (2) put in place national guidelines, standards and supporting tools for the provision of mental health and psychosocial support during emergencies; (3) strengthen the capacity of health professionals to identify and manage priority mental disorders during emergencies; and (4) utilize opportunities generated by the emergency response to contribute to development of sustainable mental health-care services.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Ommeren
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hanna
authors.affiliation: International Medical Corps, Washington DC, United States of America.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Weissbecker
authors.affiliation: Public Health Section, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ventevogel
mesh_terms: D004189:Disaster Planning; D004630:Emergencies; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D019083:Mediterranean Region; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D014944:World Health Organization