Humanitarian aid workers dedicate their lives to helping others in some of the world’s most dangerous and stressful environments. Whether assisting in disaster zones, conflict areas, or refugee camps, these workers often face immense risks. Unfortunately, this very nature of their job, with its high emotional and physical toll, leaves them vulnerable to serious mental health challenges.
The Current Situation
A study of international humanitarian aid workers from 76 countries conducted between 2017 and 2020 found that 76% were exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event during their assignments. These events often led to elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol misuse, and burnout when compared to the general population.
And the risks faced by aid workers have never been higher. In 2023, a record 595 humanitarian workers were killed, wounded, or kidnapped while on duty, marking one of the darkest years in the sector’s history. This highlights how both the physical dangers and the mental strain of the job are growing at an alarming rate.
Why Are Aid Workers at Risk?
Aid workers face unique and intense pressures. The constant exposure to tragedy can lead to secondary trauma, where the emotional burden of the people they help becomes their own.
Furthermore, aid workers often operate with limited resources, which makes it hard to meet the overwhelming needs of the communities they serve. This can create feelings of helplessness and moral dilemmas, compounding their stress. The lack of sufficient training and preparation also plays a role. While professionals in fields like law enforcement or the military receive extensive trauma-management training, many aid workers only undergo short, inadequate preparation before being deployed to high-risk areas.
The challenges extend beyond the field. Humanitarian workers often struggle to address their needs, as they may feel pressure to remain strong while prioritising others.
Social isolation is another significant issue. Aid work often involves frequent relocations, which can weaken social support networks—an important buffer against emotional distress.
Supporting Aid Workers’ Mental Health
Taking care of the mental health of aid workers can be significantly enhanced with a few essential practices. Good training and preparation before deployment equip workers with the tools they need to manage the emotional challenges of their roles. By providing comprehensive pre-deployment training, workers can feel more confident and resilient as they face the demanding situations ahead.
Additionally, strong post-trauma support systems, such as accessible therapy and counselling, ensure that aid workers have the resources to process their experiences both during and after assignments. This ongoing support is crucial for maintaining mental well-being.
Fostering robust social support networks also plays a big role in helping aid workers cope. Encouraging workers to maintain close personal connections and building peer support systems can provide the emotional guidance and camaraderie necessary to handle stress.
Finally, giving aid workers adequate time to rest and recover after challenging experiences is vital. When workers are allowed the space to recharge, they can return to their duties more refreshed and mentally prepared for future assignments.
How MOAS supports its employees’ mental health
At MOAS, mental health support is a priority for both headquarters staff and those working in the field. At HQ, assistance is readily available whenever requested, ensuring that staff can access the support they need. In the field, such as for medical teams in Ukraine, mental health services are made available to help them cope with the challenges of their work. Additionally, all team leaders undergo regular mental health assessments to monitor well-being, and counselling is promptly provided following any incident, ensuring that mental health care is integrated into routine and emergency situations.
Final Thoughts
Humanitarian aid workers play a vital role in addressing the world’s crises, but their mental health is increasingly at risk. The demands of the job expose them to extreme stress and trauma, which often leads to long-term mental health issues. As the need for humanitarian aid grows, organisations must invest in mental health support, training, and recovery strategies to ensure that aid workers can continue their life-saving work while maintaining their well-being. Aid workers are there to help others but also need support.
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