Juarez Violence Raises Stress Level For Border Residents

EL PASO, Texas — When we are constantly faced with the violence in Juarez, or we worry about family members who are, what does that mean for our mental health?

With the recent resurgence in violence just across the border, doctors say we are more affected than we might even realize.

They say it’s a serious situation that can have lasting effects.

“What if they bring it over here?” It’s the question that’s getting hard to ignore, and as the violence in Juarez increases, many on both sides of the border are feeling more vulnerable.

Dr. Richard Patterson is a clinical psychologist in El Paso. He is also a certified trauma specialist. “Our need for safety is very basic.”

He said he has seen a rise in patients who are struggling to deal with the violence across the border.

“The folks that I deal with that have family over there are just afraid all the time…It’s a very, very tragic situation.”

Patterson said that while that situation can be difficult for adults, “there’s a level of fear that’s gone up and I think especially the children are being affected by it.”

And not only for children who live in Juarez. “Those children have seen things no child should ever have to see and so they come over here and in the lunchroom and on the playground and so on, they’re talking about those things.”

Patterson recommends keeping close watch over your kids and watching for signs of trauma — things like nightmares, lack of focus, excessive concern about safety and changes in their normal routine.

“When 9-11 happened, it took away all of our sense of security and safety…on a smaller level, think this is having a similar kind of impact.”

Patterson said long-term trauma or anxiety can have serious effects on your mental and physical health. If you feel you are struggling, you should get help as soon as possible.