This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and main causes of mental health issues among university professors, as well as to propose institutional strategies to improve their well-being and job performance. A qualitative methodology with a descriptive and interpretative design was used, based on semi-structured interviews conducted with a purposive sample of 20 professors, aged between 40 and 50 years, at the Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Mexico. The results showed that the main factors affecting professors mental health are work overload, academic and administrative pressures, job insecurity, lack of recognition, interpersonal conflicts, and the imbalance between personal and professional life. These elements contribute to the development of stress, anxiety, depression, and professional burnout, negatively impacting their teaching, research, and student mentoring roles. In response, institutional strategies are proposed, such as psychological support programs, flexible schedules, reduction of administrative tasks, promotion of positive work environments, and recognition of academic work. It is concluded that addressing professors' mental health not only improves their quality of life and performance but also strengthens the quality of the educational process.

Keywords: Mental health, professors, work-related stress, burnout, teacher well-being, higher education.