Nuevo Laredo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
The post can feel claustrophobic because of the small size of the travel perimeter. You have to be willing to escape to Texas. This is compounded by the sense of Cartel impacting the larger community all the time. In my opinion, their presence is kind of pervasive and lends to a constant low level anxiety. Also, the housing is all within tall walls, with razor wire, and security lighting, which, to me, gives the sense that you live inside a prison. If you let it, it can grind down your sense of calm. The community is a great resource for this kind of thing. People tend to gather at the Consulate pool. While I was there, one member was hosting regular board games at their family's home. Lean in on the community, and that helps. - Dec 2022
There's a sense of isolation and danger here that can weigh on people. I think it's important to speak some Spanish, to make local friends (either in Nuevo Laredo or Laredo), enjoy what this post has to offer (tacos, friendly people, the glass factory, exercise opportunities), and get away regularly. We don't currently have anyone staffing our health unit; we just get occasional visits from the regional doctor and psychiatrist. - Jun 2018
No, you will probably have an excess of vitamin D! This place is hot! - Apr 2017
