World Mental Health Day October 10, 2025 (Press Release)

The World Mental Health Day has been celebrated on the initiative of the World Health Organization since 1992 with the aim of raising public awareness of mental health issues. The events of the World Mental Health Day are aimed at increasing public awareness of the activities of mental health services, as well as the possibilities of providing timely assistance to individuals in difficult life situations.

In 2025, the World Mental Health Day is held under the slogan "Mental Health in Emergencies". According to WHO estimates, one in five people living in areas affected by conflicts, natural disasters or emergencies has a mental disorder. Experiencing fear and anxiety in such conditions is a natural reaction to extremely stressful events. War, natural disasters, transport and industrial accidents, terrorist acts and mass riots cause post-traumatic stress disorder in a significant portion of those involved.

Mobile groups and teams of doctors and psychologists have been created at the UZ "VOKCPiN" to provide emergency psychiatric and psychological assistance to victims of natural disasters, transport and industrial accidents, and terrorist acts.

The institution also organizes and carries out round-the-clock duty of specialist psychologists ready to arrive at any point in the Vitebsk region to provide emergency psychological assistance to victims of emergencies.

Currently, Belarus has a round-the-clock emergency psychological assistance service with the single number 133 (helpline of UZ "VOKCPiN" - 61-60-60).

In terms of their socio-economic consequences, mental disorders by the beginning of the 21st century had entered the top three leading human diseases in developed countries, second only to cardiovascular pathology. Today, 5 out of the 10 main causes of disability are due to mental and behavioral disorders. Currently, approximately 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental illnesses, including about 70 million with alcoholism, 50 million with epilepsy, and 24 million with schizophrenia. Every year, 1 million people commit suicide, which exceeds the number of victims of military conflicts, and 10 to 20 million people attempt suicide within a year.

According to research, 20-25% of patients observed in primary healthcare facilities suffer from various mental illnesses, meaning every fifth or fourth healthcare consumer. Depression is among the most common forms of mental pathology, affecting over 5-6% of the adult population. Its prevalence among primary healthcare patients is 10%, second only to arterial hypertension. This highlights that identifying and treating common forms of mental pathology in general healthcare is currently one of the most pressing issues.

In the Republic of Belarus, the state places significant emphasis on preserving and strengthening the mental health of its citizens. Psychiatric care in the Republic of Belarus is provided by a network of healthcare organizations at various levels (district, city, regional, republican) through outpatient, inpatient, and day care settings. Information on accessing such care is available through mass media, the internet, and information boards in healthcare institutions. The state makes considerable efforts towards the prevention and treatment of mental disorders; however, mental health largely depends on the individual.

Unfortunately, a misconception persists among the population that seeking help from a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or psychologist is shameful and carries social repercussions. When experiencing mental or psychological problems, it is essential to prioritize health and quality of life rather than adhering to false beliefs.

The existing system of psychiatric care provides for dispensary observation only for patients suffering from severe, chronic mental disorders.

Somatic and mental health are interconnected. Consulting a psychiatrist-narcologist or psychotherapist does not entail social restrictions and indicates a rational approach by citizens to their health.

On the eve of World Mental Health Day, we wish everyone the ability to maintain peace and self-confidence, to express only kind emotions and sincere feelings, and to cherish the joyful moments that fill our lives.

Chief Freelance Specialist

in Psychiatry of the Main Department

of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee for Healthcare

I.V. Ponomarev