In communities worldwide, mental health challenges inflict widespread suffering, impacting individuals and their surroundings. Beyond affecting the mental and physical well-being of those directly affected, these issues extend their repercussions to families and entire communities. Despite the gravity of the situation, every community possesses inherent support mechanisms and a diverse array of resources that can play a pivotal role in preventing mental health disorders, fostering positive mental health, and aiding the recovery of individuals grappling with mental health conditions.
The consequences of mental health conditions often lead to the exclusion of individuals from their communities, subjecting them to various violations of their basic human rights such as discrimination, violence, and exclusion from employment opportunities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a mean global prevalence of mental health disorders at 10.8%, rising to 22.1% in conflict-affected populations in emergency settings.
In times of crises and emergencies, the stigma, exclusion, and discrimination towards individuals with mental health conditions escalate, exacerbating isolation and protection issues. Communities, however, wield significant potential in promoting mental health, bolstering primary care, and facilitating access to resources. Their crucial role involves diminishing mental health disparities by providing community resources that connect individuals with community-based support and delivering mental health education, thereby bridging the considerable mental health treatment gap.
Since 2021, the IFRC Psychosocial Centre has intensified its focus on mental health care, particularly emphasizing community-based approaches, including psychological interventions. This effort is part of a broader initiative known as “Care in Communities – IFRC Guidelines for National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies.”
The recently introduced training manual aims to guide program managers and community providers in enhancing the capacities of community health workers and volunteers. By addressing mental health needs within their communities, this training guide from the IFRC Psychosocial Reference Centre seeks to foster the expansion of community mental health care services throughout the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, transcending primary health-care settings.
