The work of psychologists in the care of refugees

Among refugees, traumatic disorders are frequent.

Every day a large number of people decide to leave their country. Various reasons such as war, political persecution, terrorism, violation of human rights, etc. do not make it easy for them to leave their country.The reasons such as war, political persecution, terrorism, violation of human rights, etc. do not make it easier for them to make a better choice, so that they end up as refugees. Many of them travel to Europe in search of safety and protection.

Many of the asylum seekers have had traumatic experiences and unfortunately also physical problems. They urgently need professional help, and that is why in several refugee reception and counseling centers, the figure of the psychologist plays a very important role..

The importance of psychologists in the care of refugees

The psychologist works together with social workers and educators, doctors, teachers and especially interpreters. Efforts are made to provide refugees with basic needs and to help manage high levels of psychological distress. and to help manage high levels of psychological distress.

New arrivals struggle every day to overcome the memory of their traumatic journey and try to adjust to a new life far from their homeland.

Many refugees have had traumatic experiences

Many of the people who arrive every day in search of asylum, have had traumatic experiences in their home countries and during the journey to their and during the journey to their destination in Europe.

They have encountered situations of violence at first hand or have experienced it very closely: seeing lifeless bodies, torture, arrests, surviving explosions or bullet impacts, destruction of their homes and possessions, disappearance of their loved ones... all this forces them to live in a constant state of fear.

Nightmares, flashbacks, sleep and concentration disorders...

Traumatic experiences can lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with which they experience recurrent experience recurrent flashbacks, especially at nightespecially during the night or sudden images during the day (flashbacks). Traumatic memories are relived with great intensity.

For example, a man who saw a light aircraft flying overhead experienced a panic attack when remembering how his town was bombed; or a woman hearing fireworks at a local festival.

Sleep and concentration disorders, emotional numbness, anxiety and depression often accompany them. Also not to be forgotten the presence of suicidal thoughtswhich can lead to acts of self-harm or, directly, to suicide itself.

Other possible mental disorders

PTSD is not the only disorder that can occur in these cases. Other psychological complications that may appear or be accentuated due to the traumatic process are Adjustment Disorder, persistent personality changes after the traumatic experience, dissociative disorders, borderline personality disorder....

They can also appear addiction problems, depression, chronic Pain and anxiety, among others.among others.

It must be taken into account that the traumatic experience is not only a result of the experiences lived in their country of origin, but also of the journey made to reach a new country. also of the journey made to reach a final destination where they can be safe.. Often the conditions of transportation, food, clothing, etc. are not adequate.

Uncertainty

The new environment in which refugees are placed requires them to adapt quickly in different areas. The social, cultural and lifestyle environment changes radically. and this fact demands a new adaptation, which in most cases causes uncertainty and insecurity (how to react to differences in customs and habits or traditions; learning a new language and/or writing), worry and different losses or mourning (people, places and ways of life).

To all this must be added the forced separation or loss of family members. There are many of them who have left their relatives behind, or during the way of arrival, or during the way of arrival, they have lost their families.or on the way there, without knowing where they are and if they are still alive. This constant uncertainty causes them to torment themselves with recurring thoughts such as: "Was it my fault? Where is my child? Is he/she still alive?" . Infinite questions that seek to make sense of everything that is happening around them, to be able to assimilate everything that has happened and to be able to continue with a calmer life.

The key is in the integration

Often return to the country of origin is not a viable alternative, in which case they may be allowed to remain indefinitely in the country where they have found safety. to remain indefinitely in the country where they have found safety and security..

A key point is to promote social, cultural, political, and economic integration through the promotion of intercultural and interfaith dialogue, tolerance and respect for other cultures and religions.tolerance and respect for other cultures. Giving the opportunity to discover, understand and learn the values and cultures of refugees and at the same time rediscover and enrich their own.