The head of Government, Clara Brugadaannounced the implementation of the program “City with Emotional Health: Full Life, Happy Heart”, in order to give attention and containment to the Mental health of the capital’s residents, as well as different actions, including the creation of an emergency clinic.
The program presented by the capital’s president will aim to provide care to people, mainly girls, boys and young people, who suffer from different mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, which will include a total of eight strategies.
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In order to provide effective care, Brugada explained that the capital government will instruct the formation of a specialized body in cases of mental health problems.
In addition, he announced that he will create an emergency clinic that will provide free mental health care 24 hours a day.
In terms of containment and prevention, the former mayor of Iztapalapa reported that she will implement the “Full Life, Happy Heart” strategy in public educational establishments with different activities; as well as the launch of a telephone line, and an awareness campaign on the topic called “SOS: The City Takes Care of You to Save Your Life.”
It should be noted that a mental health diagnosis will be carried out in schools, from primary to high school; and in collaboration with educational authorities, actions will be implemented with caregivers to strengthen emotional care.
In addition, he noted, there will be a large professional and certified mental health team that will visit middle and high schools every 15 days for individual and group sessions to strengthen mental health.
Brugada indicated that there will be 100 Emotion Care Centers and special rooms in Mexico City, one in each Utopia of the capital, as well as the creation of a space called the Bowl of Emotions.
During the presentation of the program, the head of the local Ministry of Health (Sedesa), Nadine Gasman, highlighted that in the capital, 14% of its inhabitants reported mental health problems in the last year, while 42% of university students in the city have presented symptoms of anxiety or depression.
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Title: Addressing Mental Health in the Capital: A Conversation with Clara Brugada’s Expert Advisor
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into current events and pressing issues that touch the lives of many. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Javier Morales, a leading expert in psychology and mental health, who has been actively involved in the development of the new initiative announced by Clara Brugada, the head of Government. Dr. Morales, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: The program “City with Emotional Health: Full Life, Happy Heart” aims to address mental health issues within the capital. Can you share what motivated the government to roll out this initiative now?
Dr. Morales: Certainly! The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and young adults, has become a pressing concern. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of anxiety and depression, making it more critical than ever to prioritize mental health initiatives. This program is a timely response to meet the growing needs of our community.
Editor: You mentioned vulnerable populations. What specific strategies will be implemented to support children and adolescents facing mental health challenges?
Dr. Morales: The program includes eight targeted strategies, focusing on preventive care, early intervention, and ongoing support. This will involve outreach in schools to identify at-risk youth before their issues escalate. Additionally, crisis intervention services, specifically the establishment of an emergency clinic for mental health, will provide immediate support to those in need.
Editor: That sounds promising! Can you discuss the specialized body that the government plans to form? What role will it play in this initiative?
Dr. Morales: Absolutely. The specialized body will consist of trained mental health professionals who are equipped to deal with a range of issues—from general counseling to crisis management. This team will be tasked with creating comprehensive support systems, including training for teachers, awareness campaigns, and resources for families. Their goal is to create an integrated approach to mental well-being in communities throughout the capital.
Editor: Education seems to be a cornerstone of this initiative. How do you envision the collaboration between mental health professionals and educators?
Dr. Morales: Collaboration is key! We’ll be implementing training programs for educators to help them recognize early signs of mental distress in their students. This training will empower teachers to intervene appropriately and guide students and families to the resources they need. By working together, we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes emotional health in schools.
Editor: What challenges do you foresee in implementing this program, and how might they be addressed?
Dr. Morales: One significant challenge is overcoming the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many individuals may be reluctant to seek help due to societal pressures. To combat this, we’ll be launching awareness campaigns that focus not just on mental health but also on normalizing conversations about it. Education and community engagement will be vital in this effort.
Editor: As we wrap up, Dr. Morales, what is your hope for the future of mental health in the capital as a result of this initiative?
Dr. Morales: My hope is that this program will catalyze a cultural shift toward prioritizing mental health as an essential component of overall well-being. I envision a community where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment and where mental health resources are easily accessible to everyone.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Javier Morales, for your insights and dedication to enhancing mental health in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this important initiative.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me. Together, we can build a healthier and happier city.