Experts believe that many Ukrainians fleeing war in their country may suffer from severe mental health problems in the long term. Experts worry that refugees may be drawn into a cycle of potentially longer waiting times until they get help, as the demand for medical advice outstrips what is available.
Experts said the need for mental health support across Europe has increased dramatically, given that more than Five million people have fled Ukraine They have already gone through painful 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).
Increasing number of trauma patients
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 psychological impact. Negativity and mental health problems. He said that this number will “undoubtedly” rise if the war “continues and intensifies.”
It is reported that earlier in April, Rita Rosner, an expert in post-traumatic stress, said that the number of Ukrainian refugees Those likely to suffer serious psychological trauma and mental health problems will 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 experienced torture and war.
Wells said the number of mental health care providers for refugees in Germany – the largest country in the European Union – 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.”
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 of assistance,” Rosner continued. “They need breaks, especially those who are providing their assistance for the first time. They need to create a safety threshold so that they don’t overburden themselves with work and end up in violent stress.”
Cirtan Sanderson/A.H./ (KNA, EBD, AFP)