Area of intervention
Mental health and psychosocial support
1/8
people worldwide have a mental disorder
1
psychiatrist per 200,000 inhabitants in half the world
1/5
people who experienced armed conflict have psychological problems
Mental health
and psychosocial support
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which each individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. The positive dimension of mental health is also emphasized in the WHO’s definition of health, as set out in its constitution: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity“.
This is why mental health must be seen as a continuum that includes well-being, psychological suffering, distress and mental disorder. It’s a continuum where there are multiple forms of symptoms and intensity, and on which we, as individuals, are constantly moving as a result of life events, our ability to cope, our environment and our biological factors.
- Mental health refers primarily to good mental health and the absence of mental disorders. Accordingly, mental health interventions are services aimed at providing treatment to those affected, such as psychiatric care and psychotherapy. In the humanitarian context, these interventions are generally aimed at treating people suffering from severe symptoms, i.e. with serious impairment of functioning, which generally represents between 5 and 7% of patients in MHPSS services.
- Psychosocial support, in the field of humanitarian intervention, is generally used to describe interventions that address the individual’s mental well-being and social functioning. Respecting the individual, his or her social norms, customs, culture and local values, psychosocial interventions aim to reduce the psychological impact of adverse situations. SPS also aims to improve social functioning, particularly in response to changes in relationships, social support and economic status, when these fall within the scope of livelihoods.
In this sense, the term MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) refers to any type of external or internal support aimed at protecting or promoting psychosocial well-being, and/or preventing or treating mental disorders.
Our objectives
Conflict situations and crises create a series of issues encountered at different levels: individual, family, community and social. At all levels, situations of adversity weaken the support systems usually available in normal circumstances, and tend to aggravate pre-existing health problems – including mental health, social inequality and poverty.
- Contribute to collective responsibility and results in humanitarian protection by integrating the MHPSS cross-functional approach to protection principles,
- Contribute to building community resilience by fostering community networks, a supportive environment and the promotion of psychosocial well-being,
- Identify people with psychosocial and mental health problems and give them access to appropriate psychosocial and psychological care.
Our mental health and psychosocial support
activities
Première Urgence Internationale has developed know-how on several levels. Here are a few examples of activities implemented in the field.
- Raising people’s awareness and their active participation in disseminating mental health awareness messages (as part of the fight against stigmatization and exclusion), adaptive strategies promoting well-being,
- Awareness-raising and training of reference persons in the community on mental health issues and appropriate interventions to ensure appropriate adherence and sustainability,
- Individual consultations, psycho-education and non-specialized support for patients and their families,
- Mapping of mental health and psychosocial service providers (ensure that referencing and coordination systems are in place),
- Training staff on common mental disorders and basic emotional support skills. Regular clinical supervision.
©Première Urgence Internationale
©Studio 360
©Studio 360
