Experts said the need for mental health support across Europe has increased dramatically, given that more than five million people who have fled Ukraine have already endured traumatic experiences.
Lucas Wells, executive director of the Federal Association of Psychosocial Centers for Refugees and Victims of Torture (BAfF) in Germany estimates that about a third of Ukrainian refugees will develop depression, anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“If the suffering of these people is not addressed through counselling, support and treatment, they can develop chronic diseases, resulting in major health burdens over decades or even life,” Wells told German editorial network Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND).
The number of people suffering from psychological trauma is increasing
For his part, IOM chief Antonio Vitorino shared a similar assessment earlier this week, telling the UN Security Council that in situations of mass displacement, about 30 per cent of the population is expected to suffer some form of negative psychological impact. and mental health problems. He said that this number will “undoubtedly” rise if the war “continues and intensifies.”
Refugees and migrants say they have psychological problems but they don’t always feel comfortable discussing them
Earlier in April, post-traumatic stress expert Rita Rosner said the number of Ukrainian refugees likely to suffer severe psychological trauma and mental health problems would rise in the coming weeks and months.
“The longer the war lasts, the more traumatic it is for people to come to us,” said Rosner, a professor of clinical and biological psychology at the Catholic University in Echstatt Ingolstadt, Bavaria.
Not enough resources
Lucas Wells appealed to the federal and state governments in Germany and even in the European Union, to provide rapid and adequate funding for the psychosocial care of refugees who have suffered torture and war.
Wells said the number of mental health care providers for refugees in Germany – the largest country in the European Union – and which hosts the largest number of refugees across Europe – was already low before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now, experts fear that the already long waiting lists will be longer than they are for people seeking counseling.
“Health is a human right,” Wells said. “However, a large proportion of people who seek protection in Germany from torture, war and persecution are left alone in the face of their traumatic experiences.”
Rosner says that those who help refugees may also suffer from trauma and need to find ways to protect themselves
Helpers are also at risk
Meanwhile, Rita Rosner has also issued a warning to people who help refugees from Ukraine, such as volunteers. They may also be at risk of long-term mental health problems, she said.
She added, “Right now, everyone watches the news all day. You try to get as much information as possible. But at the same time, you can’t do much to change anything. That’s why you have to be careful about how much of this news you receive daily. “, according to what she told the IBD news agency.
“This also applies to providers,” Rosner continued. “They need breaks, especially those who are providing their help for the first time. They need to create a safety threshold so they don’t overwork themselves and end up with violent stress.”
Muhajir News 2022
