World Mental Health Day, celebrated on 10 October, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and combat stigma. In 2024, the theme “Mental health in the workplace” focuses on the impact of working environments. A balanced work environment protects mental health, while stressful conditions, such as overwork or lack of support, can be detrimental to well-being and productivity.

A Challenge for Humanitarian Workers

At the International Organization for Migration (IOM), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) are integrated into programmes, particularly in returnee reintegration. However, it is just as important to protect the mental health of the humanitarian teams who, on the front line, work with beneficiaries who are often in severe distress.

Halimatou Diallo, Well-being Focal Point at IOM Guinea, explains :

« Colleagues often come to see me to express their problems. They feel under a lot of pressure, because in addition to the objectives to be achieved, they are confronted with returnees’ stories of suffering. Some beneficiaries are impatient to be reintegrated, while others have been through difficult migration journeys and need special support. There are also vulnerable cases and victims of trafficking. My role is to offer them a space for dialogue, listen to them and help them better manage this daily pressure. »

This position also helps to raise awareness among employees about the importance of maintaining a balance between their professional and personal lives.

« It’s sometimes difficult for colleagues to disconnect, and beneficiaries often call outside office hours to express their unhappiness. It’s a considerable emotional burden added to an already demanding professional task. »

Humanitarian work presents specific emotional challenges, which are not unique to the IOM. According to a survey conducted by The Guardian in 2015, 79% of aid workers claim to suffer from mental health problems, and 93% believe that these problems are directly linked to their work. Halimatou also observes symptoms of compassion fatigue among her colleagues, a common phenomenon when people are exposed to the suffering of others on a daily basis.

« It’s important to have convivial moments to relieve the pressure. Organizing sports activities or cultural outings, or simply sharing meals, helps to build team cohesion. These moments are essential for relieving tension and creating a more positive working environment. »

These activities play a key role in preventing burnout and improving team well-being.

Overall Support for IOM Teams’ Well-being

IOM is setting up mechanisms to support its teams’ mental health. In addition to Well-being focal points, the organization offers webinars on stress management, psychological support programmes, as well as a monthly calendar offering practical well-being tips to apply oneself.

« We are working to raise awareness among our colleagues about the importance of taking care of themselves, not ignoring signs of stress and burnout, and seeking help when needed, » Halimatou emphasises.

Local Actions for Global Impact

Mental health and work are intrinsically linked, especially in a humanitarian context where emotional demands are high. According to the WHO, around 12 billion working days are lost each year due to depression and anxiety. It is therefore essential that governments, employers and organizations work together to create working environments that take mental health into account.

By placing this World Mental Health Day under the theme of mental health in the workplace, IOM Guinea is setting an example of an organization that takes care of those who, every day, help the most vulnerable. By protecting humanitarian workers’ mental health, IOM not only ensures their well-being, but also reinforces the sustainability of its actions in the field, thus ensuring effective support for beneficiaries.

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well Being
 

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