Teaching and mental health, an essential partnership in educational practice

Introduction: Education has been a fundamental pillar in the history and culture of civilizations, from ancient societies to the present day. In Mexico, education has evolved significantly from pre-Hispanic civilizations to the colonial era and modernity, facing challenges such as socioeconomic inequality and fluctuating quality of teaching. Methodology: The main objective of the study is to argue for the need for a work plan focused on prevention and promoting the detection of mental health problems among teachers. The research is based on a qualitative methodology, including semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, to capture teachers' subjective experiences of work-related stress and their coping strategies. Results: The study addresses how poor mental health affects teacher performance, existing contractual support for mental health care, and the potential impact of a specialized mental health center on improving educational indicators. The incidence of burnout syndrome and other mental disorders exacerbated by the pandemic was diagnosed, highlighting the need for effective interventions and support strategies. The findings underscore the critical mental health situation of teachers and the urgent need for effective interventions. In addition, the results point to specific factors that contribute to the deterioration of mental health and provide a basis for the implementation of comprehensive support policies. Conclusions: It is concluded that the implementation of mental health prevention and detection programs for education workers can contribute to improving their well-being and, consequently, the quality of education.