Zimbabwe Marks World Mental Health Day 2025 with Focus on Humanitarian Crises
On October 10, 2025, Zimbabwe joined the global community in commemorating World Mental Health Day, highlighting a theme that resonates deeply in times of crisis: “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies.” This year’s focus brings attention to the psychological impact of conflicts, natural disasters, and climate-related shocks, emphasizing the need for mental health support to be embedded within emergency response systems.
Chidochashe Makara, a wellness coach with Cimas iGo, explains that this theme was chosen to address the profound effects of emergencies on mental health. She emphasizes the importance of psychosocial support for those affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other crises, which can significantly disrupt lives and communities, increasing rates of distress.
In Zimbabwe, the aftermath of events like Cyclone Idai, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing climate challenges has exposed both the fragility and resilience of the country’s mental health systems. While some integration of mental health into disaster preparedness has occurred—such as during Cyclone Idai—full system integration remains a work in progress.
Makara points out that emergencies often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, increasing exposure to loss, trauma, displacement, and food insecurity. These factors can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, displaced individuals, women, and those with pre-existing conditions, are particularly affected due to disrupted services.
She notes that the most common mental health conditions triggered by crises include acute stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and increased substance use. However, Zimbabwe’s health infrastructure still faces significant challenges in responding effectively to these issues.
Post-COVID awareness of mental health has grown, with independent consultants recommending the integration of mental health into emergency response plans. Despite this, the system struggles with limited resources, including a shortage of mental health professionals and infrastructure. As a result, the quality of care varies by province.
Barriers to mental health care persist, especially during crises. Limited numbers of trained professionals, stigma, and logistical costs can hinder access to essential services. To build a more responsive system, Makara advocates for practical reforms, such as integrating mental health services into national emergency plans and training non-specialist providers to serve in crisis situations.
One effective intervention is Psychological First Aid (PFA), an immediate support approach that involves listening, assessing, and comforting individuals before linking them to further services. PFA helps reduce distress and strengthen coping mechanisms after trauma. In Zimbabwe, NGOs and community groups offer PFA training through local workshops, empowering peer groups, lay counsellors, and community leaders to provide support.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG) also plays a critical role. It provides guidance for non-specialist providers to assess and manage mental, neurological, and substance-use conditions during emergencies. Zimbabwe and its partners reference this guidance in training and planning, with some NGOs using mhGAP-based training programs.
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a growing mental health threat. Droughts, floods, and environmental degradation contribute to food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and heightened anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior. Displaced people face additional challenges, including trauma, separation from social supports, and barriers to consistent medication or counselling.
Digital platforms offer new hope for expanding access to mental health services. Remote counselling, psychoeducation, symptom screening, and referral coordination can help bridge gaps in care. Makara stresses the importance of inclusivity in mental health planning, ensuring services are culturally appropriate, affordable, and accessible in local languages.
Community leaders, traditional healers, and the media also play vital roles. They can help reduce stigma, mobilize communities, and promote responsible reporting. Schools and workplaces can contribute by providing teacher training in PFA, running psychosocial support groups, and creating safe referral pathways.
Policy and budgetary commitments are urgently needed. Ring-fenced budgets for mental health support in health and emergency plans, along with funding for workforce training and community services, are essential. Integrating mental health into primary care and disaster planning would also make a significant difference.
On an individual level, maintaining routines, staying connected to family and neighbors, limiting distressing news, and prioritizing basic needs like sleep, food, and movement can help safeguard mental health during crises. Communities supporting each other is a major protective factor.
Low-cost interventions such as group psychosocial support, structured lay-counselling, and digital/SMS psycho-education have shown success. Families, as frontline caregivers, can provide listening without judgment, maintain routines, and monitor for signs of severe distress.
Finally, dismantling myths about mental health is crucial. Common misconceptions include the belief that mental illness equals weakness or is purely spiritual, and that only specialists can help. Public education campaigns, community dialogues, and engagement with faith and traditional leaders can address these myths.
At Cimas iGo, the commitment to supporting every Zimbabwean affected by disaster and crisis remains strong. Mental health is health, and help should be close, kind, and timely. The call for stronger community support and open conversation continues, ensuring no one suffers in silence.
