Crisis: Quintana Roo’s Mental Health Struggle & Tourism Impact

There is a growing concern over mental health in Mexico, particularly in Quintana Roo. The region's heavy reliance on the tourism industry results in long working hours for employees, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. Psychiatrists have noted that the children of these workers often live alone, with house keys around their necks for when they return from school.

Mental health specialists are developing a program to train doctors across various fields. This initiative aims to improve the detection and treatment of patients with mild mental disorders, given the shortage of specialists. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in mental illnesses, with women and young people being the most affected, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report released on World Mental Health Day.

Presidents of several mental health organizations in Quintana Roo, including the Quintana Roo Network of Professionals in Psychology, Quintana Roo Psychiatry Association, Quintana Roo College of Psychologists, Riviera Maya Mental Health Association, and others, highlighted the growing concern in a press conference. They cited PAHO/WHO (2020) data, which showed a rise in disorders such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and serious conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as substance use in Mexico.

According to the WHO, approximately 15 percent of the Mexican population, or nearly 18 million people, suffer from mental health disorders. However, only 2.5 percent, or 400,000 people, receive treatment. This is primarily because patients usually only seek help when they are in crisis or unable to manage their condition.

The WHO recommends a ratio of 5 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants to address this global issue. Mexico falls short with a ratio of 3.68, primarily concentrated in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Quintana Roo has an even lower ratio of 1.29, despite being one of the states most affected by stress from the tourism industry and long working hours. The region's children, often referred to as "key children," grow up virtually alone due to their parents' demanding work schedules.

Quintana Roo is working on a proposal to train first-level doctors to detect non-serious mental problems, provide initial care, and refer patients to psychiatrists if necessary. This initiative aims to reduce the backlog of untreated patients.

Adding to the region's challenges, Quintana Roo receives over 21 million tourists per year, with 20 percent identified as neurodivergent. To address these health concerns, a "Tourism and Mental Health" congress will be held on November 22 and 23 at the Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association facilities.