Mental health experts have stressed the urgent need for accessible mental health services during disasters and emergencies.

They also underscored that mental well-being is often overlooked in times of crisis.

The call came at a webinar organized on Thursday afternoon by the Monojotno Outdoor Counseling Center under the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, marking World Mental Health Day 2025.

 This year’s theme was “Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies.”

The virtual discussion was moderated by Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and an international addiction specialist, says a press release.

The panel of speakers included Prof Dr. Sultana Algin, Head of the Psychotherapy Wing at Bangladesh Medical University; Nusrat Sharmin, former acting Deputy Director and Senior Research Officer (Sports Psychology) at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP); Dr. Md. Rahanul Islam, Residential Psychiatrist at the Department of Narcotics Control; and Rakhi Ganguly, Senior Psychologist at Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Focal Person of Monojotno Outdoor Counseling Center.

The discussants in the virtual discussion emphasized that ensuring access to mental health care during emergencies such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics is crucial to prevent the deterioration of mental well-being and to provide timely support that can reduce long-term psychological impacts.

They noted that this year’s theme serves as a reminder that crises affect not only physical and social conditions but also deeply impact mental health. The experts urged collective efforts to ensure prevention, protection, and care for all those affected—including victims, caregivers, and even witnesses—during such challenging times.