Conference call: How to support employee mental health in the aid sector

Around 30% of the general population suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety — and people working in the aid sector will always experience some of this, said Dr. Kavita Avula, lead consulting psychologist with The KonTerra Group, which supports leadership development, in addition to staff care and resilience, for organizations working in high-stress environments.

Aid workers are often operating in high-risk contexts, where resources are limited and movement is restricted. They are exposed to human suffering and trauma, work long hours, and may be separated from family, so it can be challenging to find ways to decompress and attend to their own well-being, Avula explained.