The Importance of Mental Health in the Mexican Public Health System

Abstract

The concept of mental illness has been hidden behind a curtain of stigma and dislike for a long time. The magnitude, suffering and burden in terms of disability and costs for individuals, families and society in general are overwhelming and do not correspond with the resources devoted to their research and attention. This document refers the importance of mental health within public health in Mexico. The presence of these mental disorders in society is reaching alarming figures and the forecasts indicate that they will increase. It is vital to highlight three main axes in the development of strategies that seek direct intervention in the population: prevention, hospitalization and social reintegration. It requires a great human and political will along with a great commitment of all health professionals to achieve a real change within the health system in Mexico regarding mental health.