Mental Health Platform Highlights Migrants’ Struggles

Four out of ten migrants show signs of acute stress and anxiety, and two out of ten experience depression, according to early findings from Acción UNAM: Espíritu en Acción Migrante, a digital mental health platform developed by the university.

Launched on February 17, the platform recently released its first report, Commission for Mental Health Care: Migrations of Permanence, Return, Transit, and Destination, which recorded 198 users registered on the app.

As of March 13, 138 migrants had completed their screenings. Of these, 108 are Mexicans living in the United States, five are in transit, displacement, or at their intended destination, 15 are affiliated with the Mexican consulate, and 10 are returning nationals.

The report also revealed that 15.04% of respondents—just over 20 individuals—reported having made plans or attempts at self-harm or suicide. Another 6.02% (more than eight people) had suicidal thoughts, 3.76% (five individuals) had formed a concrete plan, and 2.26% (three individuals) had previously attempted suicide.

More than half of those screened—approximately 72 people (52.17%)—agreed to receive psychological support.

To address this growing concern, the institutional outreach team behind Espíritu en Acción Migrante is collaborating with 155 health professionals from various UNAM academic units, including the College of Psychology and the Higher Education Institutions of Aragón, Iztacala, and Zaragoza, as well as the National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz and the Youth Integration Centers. Together, they are delivering a comprehensive response to support migrant mental health.