Cancún, Quintana Roo — The death of a traffic officer in Guanajuato earlier this month has reignited debate over mental health conditions among security forces in Mexico. In Quintana Roo, state and municipal police officers say stress, anxiety and psychological exhaustion are part of their daily reality, but many remain reluctant to seek help due to distrust in support services.
Officers from the State Public Security Secretariat and the Municipal Public Security and Transit Secretariat of Benito Juárez described long shifts, constant exposure to danger, family separation and heavy workloads as key factors affecting their emotional well-being.
While the departments have medical and psychological care available, officers say there is no public data on how many receive therapy, the reasons for consultation or how often services are used. Several interviewed expressed concerns about confidentiality.
Julio, a state agent who asked to be identified only by his first name, said he and colleagues suffer from anxiety and stress due to working conditions, especially time away from family. Another officer, Luis, acknowledged that psychologists are available but said some colleagues avoid them for fear that their information will not remain private.
He also noted that emotional problems are often downplayed and that reduced rest days have increased burnout among operational staff.
Officer Rosa María said long shifts affect family life and force many to take on extra activities during time off, increasing physical and mental fatigue.
Wilberth, another officer, recounted that some colleagues have made comments about self-harm or even injured themselves to avoid certain assignments — remarks that, he said, are initially dismissed as jokes.
