In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, organizations and communities are highlighting the ongoing need for mental health support, particularly during catastrophes and emergencies. The World Health Organization estimates that in 2019, about 970 million people worldwide were living with a mental disorder, which is approximately 12% of the global population. In the United States, more than one in five adults experience mental illness.
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme focuses on “Access to Services—Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” According to research, common mental health conditions that arise after disasters include anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The prevalence of these conditions among affected populations can range widely.
University of New Hampshire (UNH) Extension has implemented several programs to address mental health needs in New Hampshire. The organization offers training through its A.I.D. (Awareness, Interaction, and Direction) program as well as Mental Health First Aid courses. These trainings are provided to staff and community partners who work with populations vulnerable to climate-related disasters, such as farmers. The goal is to help these individuals recognize and respond to signs of mental distress.
“The Farm Strong NH program provided much needed funding and support to address stress and mental health challenges to farmers. Though federal funding has ended, UNH Extension staff worked with state government leaders to allocate funds in the state budget for farmers to receive mental health support and services,” according to UNH Extension.
The agricultural sector in New Hampshire faced significant difficulties during the 2023 production season. Extreme weather made it the wettest year on record in the state. Growers reported over $10 million in lost crop value due to freeze events and nearly $3 million more from moisture and flooding. In response, UNH Extension led efforts that resulted in Secretarial Disaster Declarations for affected counties. This enabled access to low-interest emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency. As a result, 56 farms received $4.65 million in aid—covering about 75% of their adjusted net losses—which helped alleviate some financial pressures for growers.
UNH Extension encourages individuals to participate in mental health awareness training such as A.I.D., available at https://extension.unh.edu/health-well-being/programs/aid-awarenessinteractiondirection-mental-health-awareness-training, or Mental Health First Aid at https://extension.unh.edu/health-well-being/programs/mental-health-first-aidr.
Additional resources are available from organizations like the World Federation for Mental Health and local initiatives such as the NH Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team. More information can be found at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/disaster-behavioral-health.
UNH Extension continues its commitment to supporting healthy people and communities across New Hampshire through specialized programs and workshops focused on chronic disease self-management and pain management.
