The Silent Struggles of Aid Workers: Mental Health in Crisis

Unspoken Mental Health Challenges Faced by Humanitarian Workers

Humanitarian workers dedicate their lives to helping people in the world’s most dangerous and challenging environments. Yet, despite their courage and commitment, their mental health struggles often go unnoticed and untreated. In a field where over 300 million people are impacted by displacement and disasters, according to the UN, the mental well-being of those providing aid is increasingly critical.


Rising Risks in Humanitarian Work

The dangers for aid workers are escalating. In 2023 alone, 595 humanitarian workers were killed, wounded, or kidnapped—a grim record that highlights the growing risks in this field. Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele, who was held hostage in Iran for 456 days, emphasizes that the respect for humanitarian law is eroding, further endangering those on the frontlines.

Vandecasteele founded Protect Humanitarians, an alliance dedicated to safeguarding aid workers. This organization provides financial support and advocates for better protection for workers facing life-threatening situations. An essential part of their mission is addressing the mental health crisis in the humanitarian sector.

Mental Health: A Critical but Overlooked Issue

Aid workers face numerous mental health challenges, including burnout, PTSD, and constant worry about their personal safety and the loved ones they leave behind. Clinical psychologist Cyril Cosar identifies these as major risks, yet the psychological care for aid workers is often inadequate.

According to Vandecasteele, there needs to be a safe space where organizations can share their experiences and provide mental health support to their teams. “Too often, the psychological well-being of aid workers is overlooked,” he said, stressing that mental health should be prioritized alongside physical safety.

The Emotional Toll of Humanitarian Work

Steve Dennis, a former aid worker who now runs Proper Support Recovery Consulting, describes the immense emotional burden of the job. Humanitarian workers are constantly exposed to trauma and suffering, which can lead to secondary trauma and fatigue.

“It’s hard to compartmentalize emotions without becoming emotionally numb,” Dennis explains. He highlights the struggle many workers face in admitting their own needs. Often, they feel guilty acknowledging their emotional pain when compared to the suffering of the people they are helping.

This mindset is part of what Cosar calls a “culture of sacrifice.” Many aid workers believe they must give everything, regardless of how exhausted or traumatized they feel. Their struggles are often invisible, making it harder for them to seek or receive help.

Invisible Wounds and Stigma

Mila Leonova, Director of the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations, shares how this mindset impacts her team. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many civil society organizations were forced into humanitarian work without adequate preparation. Nearly three years into the conflict, Leonova admits that her team is burned out but fears the stigma associated with admitting weakness.

“In our culture, it feels shameful to admit we’re struggling,” she says. Aid workers are expected to be strong and resilient, but the toll on their mental health is undeniable.

The Need for Better Preparation and Support

One of the biggest challenges aid workers face is the lack of preparation and support for dealing with trauma. Unlike professions such as the military or police, who receive extensive training, humanitarian workers often have minimal preparation.

Steve Dennis points out that a typical four-day hostile environment awareness training is considered the gold standard before deploying to high-risk areas. However, this is far from sufficient. Aid workers need better training and ongoing mental health support to cope with the extreme conditions they face.

Insurance and Funding Gaps

Another significant issue is the lack of adequate insurance coverage. Many policies don’t cover mental health injuries or war zone-related claims. Vandecasteele advocates for a portion of donations to be set aside for the mental health care of aid workers, ensuring they have access to the support they need.

Leonova believes Brussels is the ideal place to push for these changes, with opportunities to engage donors and the European Commission. In 2023, the EU provided over €2.4 billion in humanitarian aid, and it’s essential to ensure that part of this funding goes toward the well-being of the workers themselves.


Investing in Mental Health for Long-Term Success

For aid workers to continue making a difference, their mental health must be a priority. As Dennis wisely puts it, “Taking care of your staff is like maintaining a vehicle. If you care for it, it lasts longer and performs better.”

By investing in the mental health and well-being of humanitarian workers, we can ensure they remain resilient and effective in their life-saving missions.


Sources:

  • Euronews, 2024
  • UN Reports on Displacement and Natural Disasters
  • Protect Humanitarians Organization