Mental health of undocumented migrants in transit at the southern border of Mexico

Objective. To identify the perception and needs in mental health of Central American migrants in transit through Tapachula, Chiapas. Materials and methods. Qualitative study in a migrant shelter in Tapachula, Chiapas. In 20 semi-structured interviews with migrant men and women, we explored their perceptions on mental health and expectations on care. We used basic notions of phenomenology to guide the analysis. Results. Migrants had several mental health problems related to the conditions at their country of origin and due to their initial transit through Mexico.Their perception on mental health problems was heavily influenced by the biomedical health paradigm.The expectations they had on the provision of services were related to the satisfaction of basic needs. Conclusions. It is necessary to strengthen the governmental response to mental health needs through collaborative strategies.Also, actions are needed to further the understanding of mental health in order to transcend the biomedical notions that stigmatize, segregate and create a barrier to accessing services.