Written by Ana Silvestri, Senior Counselling Psychologist & Training Lead
This year’s World Mental Health Day reminds us of a truth many of us already know: our mental health matters just as much as our physical health – particularly when life feels unpredictable and/or overwhelming. Natural disasters, global conflicts, financial pressures and even sudden personal emergencies can shake our sense of safety and stability and have unfortunately been present in human history across times. In such moments, access to psychological therapy isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
Why psychological therapy is essential
When crisis strikes, the human response is not simply physical but deeply emotional. Anxiety, low mood, stress and hopelessness are some typical reactions to overwhelming atypical circumstances. Left unattended, these challenging emotions can grow heavier, sometimes leading to long-term mental health struggles or trauma.
Just as we would not ignore a physical injury, caring for our psychological wellbeing in times of strain helps prevent decline in mental health. Access to therapy means people have the invaluable opportunity to learn helpful coping strategies, stay connected to others and maintain a sense of containment during difficult times. This not only supports individual resilience but also strengthens families, workplaces and communities.
Barriers to access
Despite how essential therapy is, many people still face obstacles when trying to get help:
- Stigma
Misconceptions about mental health can cause us to feel ashamed of reaching out. Phrases like chin up or it’s all in your head create barriers that silence individuals when they most need to speak. - Funding and resources
In many regions, psychological services are underfunded or overstretched, leaving long waiting lists or high costs that make help feel out of reach. - Practical challenges
Language barriers, lack of childcare support, busy or inflexible work schedules, or simply not knowing where to start can make finding therapy impossible. - Awareness
Sometimes people don’t realise their experiences are valid reasons to seek help, or they believe things must get bad enough before they’re allowed to ask. A common misconception in the UK.
Such barriers are real, but they are not insurmountable.
Improving access: building pathways before crisis hits
One of the best ways to protect mental health during uncertain times is preparation, not in an anxious manner, but rather as thought through prevention plan. Just as workplaces have fire drills or first-aid kits, we can create psychological safety nets in case of emergency.
- Know your options early
Be familiar with local and workplace mental health resources, from psychological support lines (e.g., AEP) to online therapy platforms. Having phone numbers or websites saved in advance makes seeking help less daunting when under pressure. - Normalise conversations
At the heart of our preventative service at Psych Health we deliver training to managers and teams, which encourages openness by making psychological health part of regular check-ins, rather than waiting for distress to become disruptive. This reduces stigma and shows that seeking therapy is a strength, not a weakness. - Flexible access
Employers can offer flexible hours for therapy appointments or bring in mental health workshops training. Additionally having internal psychological resources such as guides and videos on mental health can help normalise and foster discussions across teams. Peer support networks
In times of crisis, connection matters. Training staff volunteers in basic psychological first aid or creating safe spaces for listening can help people feel less alone while waiting for professional support.
Moving forward together
Mental health support must be seen as essential infrastructure. When people can access care without fear of judgement or difficulty, they are better able to navigate uncertainty, protect their psychological health, and spot difficulties and support those around them before issues become overpowering.
This World Mental Health Day is not only about recognising the psychological challenges but also about fostering hope. By challenging mental health stigma, preparing pathways for support and nurturing open conversations, we can create communities and workplaces that are resilient, compassionate, and inclusive.
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