Mexico City DIF boosts mental health services, aiding over 10,000 people

The Integral Development of the Family (DIF) of Mexico City has significantly advanced its mental health initiatives, providing psychological and preventive attention to more than 10,000 individuals from January to July. This effort is part of a broader strategy aimed at preventing suicidal behavior and detecting childhood depression early.

The strategy operates on two main fronts: prevention and attention. In the prevention phase, the DIF supported 9,487 women and 1,042 men, primarily caregivers aged 18 to 59. Children up to 11 years old were major beneficiaries, receiving emotional education through talks, workshops, and training sessions designed to foster emotional well-being.

In terms of direct psychological support, the DIF addressed 85 cases involving individuals at risk of suicide. This group included 13 children, 48 adolescents, 21 young adults, and three caregivers. The DIF emphasizes that timely prevention and intervention are crucial for mitigating suicide risk and ensuring psychological well-being for children, adolescents, and their caregivers.

This work involved collaboration with various entities, including the Private Assistance Board of Mexico City, the Ministry of Health, and the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM). Partnerships were also established with beneficiaries of the Leona Vicario Scholarship and the Comprehensive Process for the Development of High Intellectual Abilities (PIDAHI) program. These joint efforts reached over 10,000 people with emotional education, a key component in suicide prevention.