Mexico City expands mental‑health services to curb depression and suicide risk

The Mexico City Social Development System (DIF CDMX) reported that, through its suicide‑prevention and early‑depression‑detection strategy, it delivered psychological and preventive care to more than 10,000 people between January and July 2026. The program, led by director Beatriz Rojas Martínez and coordinated with the city Health Secretariat, the Private Assistance Board, the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and the PIDAHI initiative, provided individual weekly counseling to 85 individuals identified as at risk of suicide, including children, adolescents, young adults and caregivers.

In a related legislative effort, Deputy Miriam Saldaña Cháirez (Labor Party) submitted a proposal to the Mexico City Congress urging the Health Secretariat and the 16 boroughs to adopt comprehensive measures for depression prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The proposal, pending budget approval, calls for promotion, early detection, and integrated care, highlighting urban stressors such as long commutes, transport congestion, noise, pollution and insecurity as contributors to mental‑health challenges.