World Mental Health Day 2025: Mental Health in Times of Crisis

Every year, World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is just as vital as physical health. This year’s theme – “Access to services: mental health in catastrophes and emergencies”, highlights something we all recognise, but often only truly feel in difficult times: when the world feels unstable, our mental health is put to the test.

Over the last few years, people everywhere have faced uncertainty, from global conflicts and climate events to economic pressures and social unrest. These moments affect us all differently, but they all share one thing in common: they unsettle our sense of safety and control.

For those directly caught in crises, the impact on mental health can be immediate and severe. But even for those watching from afar, the constant stream of distressing news can create a lingering sense of helplessness, fatigue and anxiety. It can start to feel as though there’s no space left in our minds for calm.

Access matters

Access to mental health support can make all the difference. In emergencies, this access can be disrupted or even lost altogether. Services are stretched, priorities shift, and people often put their own wellbeing last as they focus on surviving or helping others.

At Elevation Occupational Psychology, we see how crucial it is to build systems, in workplaces, communities and organisations, that protect mental health before crisis strikes. Access isn’t just about professional services; it’s also about people knowing where to turn, who to talk to and how to find help when they need it.

Whether it’s an employee struggling under the weight of global events, a team coping with uncertainty, or a manager trying to support others while feeling stretched themselves, access starts with awareness and compassion.

Supporting one another in uncertain times

Here are a few ways we can all help protect mental health during times of instability:

• Stay connected. Connection is one of the strongest buffers against distress. Checking in on colleagues, friends or family can make a genuine difference.

• Encourage openness. Create safe spaces where people can talk about how global events are affecting them without fear of judgement.

• Know where to signpost. Make sure everyone knows about internal wellbeing resources and external support such as:

Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk Information, advice and helplines for anyone experiencing a mental health problem

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org 24/7 free listening service on 116 123 for anyone who needs someone to talk to.

Mental Health Foundation - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk evidence-based resources, campaigns and guidance on protecting mental health.

NHS Every Mind Matters - https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ tools and tips to help manage stress, anxiety and low mood.

Rethink Mental Illness - https://www.rethink.org practical advice, advocacy and support for people living with mental illness and their carers.

• Protect time for rest. During instability, routines and recovery matter more than ever. Prioritise sleep, breaks and time away from news and screens.

• Look after those who support others. Managers, HR professionals and wellbeing leads can only offer genuine care when they also feel supported. Supporting one another in uncertain times

Building resilience through access

True resilience isn’t about being unaffected by crisis; it’s about having the right support, tools and connections to recover and rebuild when life feels uncertain. When people have easy access to mental health support, they are far better equipped to manage stress, adapt to change and maintain hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Access can take many forms. Sometimes it’s professional support, such as counselling, coaching, or occupational psychology services. Sometimes it’s the informal network around us, colleagues who listen without judgement, managers who show empathy, workplaces that make wellbeing a genuine priority rather than a seasonal campaign.

For organisations, access starts with visibility and trust. Employees need to know what help is available and believe it’s safe to use it. Too often, people hesitate to reach out because they worry about stigma, confidentiality, or how it might reflect on them professionally. Breaking that barrier is one of the most powerful things a workplace can do.

Creating accessible mental health support doesn’t necessarily mean doing more; often it means doing things differently. It’s about embedding wellbeing into everyday conversations, not saving it for Mental Health Awareness Week or a single HR initiative. It’s about giving leaders the confidence to talk about mental health openly and equipping them with the skills to signpost others to the right support.

Resilience also grows through prevention and preparation. When teams are encouraged to develop healthy coping strategies, balance workloads, and understand their own stress responses, they are far better placed to withstand external shocks, whether that’s a global event, an organisational change, or a personal crisis.

At Elevation Occupational Psychology, we believe that psychological wellbeing and performance go hand in hand. When people feel supported, they bring more energy, creativity and compassion to their work. And when organisations prioritise access to mental health support, they don’t just protect individuals, they strengthen the whole system.

This World Mental Health Day, we’re encouraging organisations to think about access not as a one-off initiative, but as part of their everyday culture. Because no one should have to face uncertainty alone.

By strengthening access to mental health support, we build stronger, safer communities, and more compassionate workplaces that are equipped to meet the challenges of an unpredictable world.

💚 Because when life feels unstable, access to care isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

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