In the last five years, the Community Mental Health and Psychosocial Accompaniment (PSMCAP) network in Northern Chiapas has learned to better understand and work with various aspects of mental health through capacity building courses facilitated by experts on the theme.

A course called “Mental Health and Community Strength” was offered in 2009 and will be offered again in 2010 to review themes already covered and to introduce an understanding and support mechanism for those who experience
emotional stress and mental illness.

Additionally, community health promoters have led leadership development workshops in various municipalities where topics covered included alcoholism, domestic violence
and emotional stress. The training is offered in a course/school format to allow participants to learn from the teacher by observing their work. The biggest challenge in recent months has been the persecutions carried out by paramilitary groups in the region who act with total impunity. In addition, state police have conducted violent dislocations of the population that lives on the border of the biosphere reserve of the Blue Mountains.