Healing the Invisible Wounds: Mental Health Support in Earthquake-Hit Myanmar

WHO’s health partner giving health assistance to earthquake affected population

“We had just started to rebuild our lives from conflict — and then the ground shook,” says a mother of two, now living in a plastic-sheeted shelter in Mandalay. “I lost my home and my business, the only source of income for my family. It is very hard to cope with this situation. But I need to stay strong for my children.”

The powerful earthquakes that struck Myanmar on 28 March left more than 4,700 people dead and over 5,100 people injured, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation. In places like Sagaing, where communities were already reeling from years of conflict and displacement, the disaster has triggered layers of trauma. “This is not just one crisis,” said a frontline health worker. “It’s crisis upon crisis. The pain is deeper.”

The mental health toll in Myanmar’s earthquake-affected areas is rising — and often goes unseen. Many survivors are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and post-traumatic stress. In camps, people live in shelter tents exposed to heat and heavy rains, often without privacy, clean water, or safe sanitation. Families mourn loved ones while facing daily uncertainty.

One health assistant recalled: “A man who had lost seven family members came to our clinic. He just stood there and cried. I listened. I didn’t know what else to do, but in times like this, listening is all they need. This is something we face every day.”

Mental health IEC materials adapted to Myanmar language

To address these rising needs, WHO has rapidly scaled up Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) across the earthquake response. Working through implementing relevant health partners, WHO has already delivered Psychological First Aid (PFA) trainings to over 450 frontline health workers — equipping them with practical tools to support earthquake-affected individuals with empathy and care.

The MHPSS response is multi-layered. WHO has supported the integration of mental health into frontline responses and health care services, distributing stress management tools such as Doing What Matters in Times of Stress in Myanmar Language. Through contextualizing mental health Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials into Myanmar language, WHO promoted community resilience and recovery following earthquakes and mitigate stigma around mental health within the community.

While affected communities in urban areas can rely on the internet and media for mental health information, those in hard-to-reach areas will be particularly benefited by the IEC materials. Additionally, these materials will also support improving the self-care of frontline health workers and healthcare professionals, who are especially vulnerable to burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma.

Earthquake relief shelter tents in Mandalay

“People are not only physically injured — they carry invisible wounds,” said Dr Thushara Fernando, WHO Representative to Myanmar. “We must care for both. That is why mental health is central to our response and recovery strategy.”

As Myanmar braces for the monsoon season, and families continue living in uncertainty, mental health needs are expected to increase. In a crisis like this, healing minds is just as vital as healing bodies. WHO is committed to doing both.

WHO has urgently appealed for funding to sustain life-saving health services, prevent disease outbreaks, and support the rebuilding of damaged health infrastructure. International support is critical. Without sustained funding, Myanmar risks a secondary health disaster as Myanmar braces for the monsoon season, and families continue living in uncertainty.

The earthquakes were devastating, but our collective response must go beyond emergency relief. It must become an investment in resilience, recovery, and the long-term health of Myanmar’s people. The unwavering spirit of Myanmar’s communities guides this mission—and reminds us why continued solidarity and support are more important than ever.

To read more about WHO Myanmar’s responses, please click here.

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