Cartel violence in Mexico appears to have calmed in the last 24 hours, and as flights in and out of the country commence once again, a Winnipeg expert says travellers who have experienced trauma abroad need to take care of themselves as they come home.
Foreign Affairs Canada reports that as of Tuesday, international flights are set to resume and local authorities are re-opening roads while beefing up security in areas like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, but shelter-in-place notices remain in effect for Jalisco and Nayarit.
Kari Duerksen, an assistant professor of Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Manitoba, says reactions to these situations vary widely – from shutting down, to going into information overload – but stresses they’re normal. And if people at home or abroad are feeling overwhelmed, they should be careful about what they’re consuming.
“We do live in this age where you can get access to so much information. For people in this situation, just being mindful about the amount that’s actually helpful”, said Duerksen.
“You want to be up to date on the concrete facts. What’s happening? What you need to do. But then, there’s going to be a lot out there that is speculative, and ‘what ifs’ and that kind of thing, and that’s probably going to drive up anxiety more.”
Duerksen says it’s important people register and speak about their feelings with people close to them, while watching for any delayed reactions as a result of the stress, like tension, fear, or dread.
“That’s a sign that something is living in your mind and body after the situation has ended,” said Duerksen. “Of course it takes a toll, and I think the thing to remember is, this is just what our bodies do.”
Traveller Sheldon Thibert says his parents are currently in Mexico, and he hopes things calm down.
“Considering what’s going on currently, I wouldn’t be buying a ticket to Mexico at this very moment, but I’m hoping what’s going on will calm down and in the coming days, will blow over,” said Thibert.
He’ll actually be travelling to the country in the coming weeks, and while there’s some worry, he’s still ready to fly.
“I spent a few years in Mexico, and I’ve got to know a lot of the locals in the place that I’ve spent time, and I’ve always felt a lot of love when I’m down there. So as nerve-wracking as it is to go down there with what’s happening, I think the people love Canadians down there,” said Thibert.