Mexico City Approves Pro Mental Health Legislation

Mexico City’s Congress approved a proposal to amend the General Health Law, aiming to promote mental health awareness and improve access to services. This reform addresses the growing concern over mental health, as over 36% of Mexicans have reported struggling with mental health conditions.

The reform adds a new provision to Article 6 of Mexico City’s Constitution that focuses on mental health. The initiative aims to promote awareness campaigns about the importance of mental health and ensure access to related services. These measures aim to reduce stigma and encourage timely treatment.

The proposal, presented by MORENA Deputy Valeria Cruz, President of the Health Committee, aims to align national legal frameworks with international health standards. Cruz says that the initiative seeks to strengthen the legal foundation to ensure mental health is recognized as a fundamental human right in Mexico's constitution.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor mental health can lead to physical health problems, and vice versa. WHO estimates that about 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental health disorders, and one in four individuals will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. The pandemic led to a 35% increase in depressive disorders and a 32% rise in anxiety disorders, says MORENA Deputy Judith Vanegas, referencing a report from the Pan American Health Organization.

Movimiento Ciudadano Deputy Luisa Ledesma supports the proposal, but suggests the creation of a new law specialized in mental health to better meet the needs of Mexico City’s diverse population.

Importance of Mental Health Legislation 

Tackling mental health diseases is increasingly seen as a key part of a comprehensive healthcare system. According to AXA’s Mind Health Report, over 36% of Mexicans admitted struggling with a mental health condition, as reported by MBN. 

Depression has become a significant concern in Mexico, affecting 20% of the population, compared to the pre-pandemic figure of 9.1%, says Edilberto Peña de León, Director General, CISNE, to MBN. He highlights the sharp rise in anxiety disorders, with prevalence increasing from 14.5% before the pandemic to over 40% in recent studies. These figures reflect a broader range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress resulting from the collective experiences of the pandemic. However, according to AXA, over 25% of individuals who suspect they have anxiety, severe stress, or depression have not sought professional help.