The work of psychologists in refugee care

Every day a large number of people decide to leave their country. Various reasons such as wars, political persecution, terrorism, violation of human rights, etc. They don't give them a better choice, so they end up as refugees. Many of them travel to Europe in search of safety and protection.

Many of the people in asylum situations have experienced traumatic experiences and unfortunately also physical problems. They urgently need professional help, and that is why in various reception and orientation centers for refugees, the figure of the psychologist plays a very important role.

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The importance of psychologists in caring for refugees

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

Newcomers 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 seeking asylum, have experienced traumatic experiences in their countries of origin and during the journey to your destination in Europe.

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

Nightmares, flashbacks, sleep and concentration disorders...

The traumatic experiences lived can develop a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with which experience recurring memories, especially at night or sudden images during the day (Flashbacks). Traumatic memories are relived with great intensity.

For example, a man who saw a small plane fly over experienced a panic attack when he remembered how his city was being bombed; or a woman listening to fireworks at local festivals.

Sleep and concentration disorders, emotional numbness, anxiety and depression frequently accompany them. Nor should we forget the presence of suicidal thoughts, which can trigger acts of self-harm or, directly, 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 Disorder adaptation, persistence of personality changes after the traumatic experience, dissociative disorders, borderline personality disorder...

They can also appear addiction problems, depression, chronic pain and anxiety, 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 final destination where they can be safe. Many times the conditions of transport, food, clothing, etc. they are not the right ones.

Uncertainty

The new environment in which refugees are located requires them to adapt quickly in different areas. The social, cultural and lifestyle environment changes radically and this fact requires 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 bereavements (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, without knowing where they are and if they are still alive. That constant uncertainty makes them torment themselves with recurring thoughts like: “Was it my fault? Or where is my child? Will he still be alive?" Infinite questions that seek to find meaning in everything that is happening around them, to be able to assimilate everything that has happened and be able to continue with a calmer life.

The key is in the integration

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

A key point is to promote social, cultural, political and economic integration through the promotion of intercultural and interfaith dialogue, tolerance and respect towards 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.