Playa del Carmen boosts mental health services for women

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Recent cases of suicide among women have activated alerts in the municipal health system and led to reinforced prevention, detection, and mental health care actions in Playa del Carmen, according to Dr. Carlos Contreras Uribe, Municipal Health Secretary.

Although the historical profile of highest incidence remains male, the official acknowledged that recent records require specific attention to women experiencing emotional crisis situations, particularly those linked to violence, sexual health, depression, and limited support networks. In this context, he emphasized that the municipal strategy focuses on promotion, prevention, and outpatient care.

Contreras Uribe noted that, in general terms, the municipality achieved a significant reduction in suicide cases and suicidal ideation during the last year, dropping from between 70 and 80 recorded cases in 2024 to around 40 in the most recent year. However, he warned that January is considered a month of high incidence due to emotional and social factors associated with the beginning of the year.

The secretary explained that mental health services are available at all primary care centers, from Nicte Ha to Puerto Aventuras, where psychologists and the only public care psychiatrist currently available in the municipality operate, assigned to the Nicte Ha clinic. Regular care has a waiting time of one to two weeks for first contact, although risk cases receive immediate attention.

Specifically regarding women, he detailed that permanent coordination is maintained with the Women’s Institute, DIF, and other state and federal agencies to promptly refer those presenting suicidal ideation, severe depressive episodes, or emotional crises. He added that the municipal approach is centered on promoting mental health and prevention, as mandated by the local competency scope.

As part of institutional strengthening, he advanced that work is underway on a specific mental health and sexual health project aimed at women, in addition to remodeling the Nicte Ha Mental Health Unit and hiring a second psychiatrist who will provide free care in the municipality.

Finally, the Municipal Health head indicated that, for an approximate population of 330,000 inhabitants, Playa del Carmen needs to expand its specialized capacity by incorporating at least two more psychiatry professionals, as well as evaluating the need for a child psychiatrist to care for girls, boys, and adolescents, reiterating the call to use health services at any sign of risk.