Mexico: mental health support abroad
This guidance is for British nationals who need support for mental health difficulties in Mexico.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this note is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. While all due care has been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and the applicable law and procedures may occasionally change. For these reasons nether His Majesty’s Government nor any member of the British Consular staff can accept liability for any costs, damages or expenses which might be incurred.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office holds and uses date for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at www.ico.org.uk). Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK Government Departments and public authorities.
Plan before you travel
You can find information about how travel can impact your mental health at NHS Mental Health and Travel. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers has a list of resources on travel and mental health.
You may wish to discuss your travel with your doctor or community mental health team.
Follow the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel checklist to prepare for travel abroad.
FCDO consular support: what we can and can’t do
Whenever possible, we will seek your permission before taking action on your behalf.
If you are experiencing mental health issues in Mexico we can:
- help you contact friends and family
- visit you in hospital or prison in line with our usual procedures
- raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare with the responsible authority (such as a hospital or prison)
- raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare – for example, with a hospital or prison authorities
- give you information about local resources such as shelters, places to eat and medical care
- be available, as appropriate, to offer you assistance if you choose to remain overseas
- contact your travel representative or travel insurance company
We cannot:
- give you advice on mental health issues
- buy or supply medication
- withhold or remove your passport
- stop you from travelling abroad
- require you to return to the UK
- pay for your return to the UK
- pay for your food, accommodation or medical bills
- get you a better treatment in a hospital or prison than is given to other people
What to do if you need help
If you urgently need medical attention, you should either:
- call 911 for the emergency services and ask for the police or red cross
- call 088 for the Federal Police
Mental health is often overlooked in public policies in Mexico and it might be difficult to get support from local government and health services. Services and treatment standards may be very different from the UK.
There are some hospitals and mental health units around the country but not all emergency services and doctors speak English. If possible, you should go with someone that can speak Spanish. Also, be ready to provide your medical background, including:
- any previous diagnoses
- information about your mental health issues
- details of previous or current medication you are taking
Medication
Some prescription medications may not be available in Mexico.
If you take prescription medication, you are responsible for determining if it is legal in Mexico.
Remember to:
- bring enough of your medication with you
- always keep your medication in the original container
- pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
- carry a copy of your prescriptions
- medication cannot be sent to Mexico from the UK via courier services
Many types of medication, both over-the-counter and prescription, are readily available with little oversight as no further care/supervision from a doctor or hospital is required, Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico.
If you purchase medication in Mexico:
- obtain a local prescription
- exercise caution
- purchase from a reputable location, (for example, pharmacy chains such as: Farmacias Guadalajara, Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Similares, Farmacias San Pablo or Farmacias Benavides)
Support from other agencies and organisations
| Organisation | Telephone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Ministry of Health: Psychiatric hospitals | https://www.gob.mx/salud/documentos/directorio-de-hospitales-psiquiatricos | |
| Mexican Ministry of Health: Mental Health Units | https://www.gob.mx/salud/documentos/unidades-de-atencion-comunitaria-y-de-primer-nivel | |
| NHS | https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ | |
| Red Voz Pro Salud Mental | + 52 55 1997 5040 | https://www.vozprosaludmental.org.mx/ |
| Humanamente | +52 33 3642 8387 | https://humanamente.org.mx/ |