Mental Health in Emergencies - Mental and Social Aspects of Health of Populations Exposed to Extreme Stressors

This document summarises the present position of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence on assisting populations exposed to extreme stressors, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, disaster survivors and terrorism-, war- or
genocide-exposed populations. WHO recognises that the number of persons exposed to extreme stressors is large and that exposure to extreme stressors is a risk factor for mental health and social problems. Principles and strategies described here are primarily for application in resource-poor countries, where most populations exposed to disasters and war live. The mental health and well-being of humanitarian aid workers also warrant attention, but their needs are not addressed in this document.