One year after the signing of the Stockholm Agreement, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains catastrophic. More than 24 million people (out of 30.5 million) need aid, an estimated 80% of the population.

Widespread conflict, severe economic decline, food insecurity and the collapse of essential public services continue to take an enormous toll on the population’s physical and mental health.

Examples abound of how the conflict is impacting people’s view of the present and future. In Al Dhalea province, mothers described the impact of the violence to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

“Now our children cry even if they hear a small firecracker,” Aseelah told the ICRC. ”Adults are still affected by what happened, so imagine the situation of children.”

In one of Sanaa’s biggest orphanages, teenagers recounted how the conflict had changed their outlook.

“I wasn’t studying during class. When the teacher was lecturing I used to remember things, cry, and leave the class,” 15-year old Fadhal Al-Gahtani told the ICRC, describing the impact that being separated from his parents had on him. “It became normal for kids to hear shelling. You find them smiling, not afraid of the shelling but afraid to lose family members.”

Across the world, more than one person in five in a conflict-affected area lives with some form of mental health condition, from mild depression and anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder. That is three times more than the general population worldwide suffering from these conditions.

Supporting people’s mental health can be lifesaving in times of war and violence, just as much as stemming a bleed or having clean water. People must be supported in rebuilding their lives and helping their communities to thrive again.

New data shows a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in conflict situations. Seventy-three percent of millennials believe supporting the emotional or mental health needs of victims of war or armed violence is as important as water, food and shelter, according to a survey commissioned by the ICRC in 16 countries, including countries affected by war.