There is little time for introspection when one is constantly putting out fires of all sorts. That is why the theme: ‘Mental health in humanitarian emergencies’ for this year’s Mental Health Day speaks directly to the realities we face in South Sudan. 

For too many people in the country, life has been punctuated by conflict, displacement, floods, disease outbreaks, and the daily struggles of survival. These emergencies not only affect bodies; they weigh heavily on minds. Equally worrying is the burden carried by humanitarian workers, who often serve while enduring the same hardships as those they support. Post-conflict or protracted crisis settings are associated with a high burden of mental health conditions, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

Globally, one in five people living in conflict-affected areas are estimated to have a mental health condition. In South Sudan, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in five people is likely to experience a mental health condition, underscoring the urgent need for accessible and sustained mental health and psychosocial support services.

Behind these numbers are real people with stories of fear, anxiety, grief, and trauma which are natural responses to difficult circumstances.  Contrary to what seems to be a popular belief, mental health is not a luxury to be addressed once food, water, and medicine are secured. In fact, if not addressed, it can quietly undermine recovery efforts, weaken resilience, and leave lasting scars that no amount of physical aid alone can heal. 

WHO, together with the Ministry of Health and partners, is committed to integrating mental health and psychosocial support into the very heart of our emergency response. With tools such as the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Minimum Service Package, WHO can ensure that care is timely, inclusive, and effective.  We call on all other health actors to join the walk and echo the talk.

On this World Mental Health Day, I use this moment to reaffirm a simple but powerful truth: when we care for minds as well as bodies, we give everyone—especially those too often left behind, including children, women, older people, people with disabilities, refugees, and those with pre-existing conditions—not just the chance to survive, but the opportunity to truly thrive.