A Conversation on Key Mental Health Challenges in Humanitarian Settings

Stress, trauma, and burnout are pressing concerns in the world of humanitarian mental health, and in workplace mental health broadly. The emotional toll of frontline work—whether in a humanitarian setting, healthcare, teaching, or other social impact and changemaker roles—can be overwhelming, and understanding the distinctions between these challenges is crucial for effective prevention and intervention.

By grasping these differences, you’ll be better equipped to identify early warning signs, adopt the most appropriate prevention strategies, and know when it’s time to seek additional support.

That’s why we’re excited to share this important conversation between Yesim and Gail Theisen-Womersley, Senior Staff Counsellor for UNHCR.

Whether you’re a humanitarian or a frontline worker in another setting, listen now and learn:

✅ The key differences between stress, trauma, vicarious trauma, and burnout
✅ Why mutual care is more important than self-care
✅ How to use the butterfly hug technique to support yourself and your colleagues