6. Rahin's story continues

Transcript

Rahin's story continues...

Julie: It sounds like you are experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It may sound very scary but I can ensure you that you are not the only one. Many refugees that we have met told us they have the same symptoms and have felt sad and unsafe like you do. These feelings are normal and it is OK that you feel this way.

Rahin: Really? I thought I have gone crazy!

Julie: No Rahin you are not crazy, what you are experiencing is very common for refugees.

Rahin: I have never felt like this before! I can’t believe that this is common. I was so scared to tell anyone because no one will believe me. I don’t know what to do now to make them go away! I want to be normal again.

Julie: I am not an expert on this but from what I have heard from other refugees, trying to relax, developing a healthy lifestyle or reach out to others for support have been useful for them. Do you have someone you trust who you can talk to?

Rahin: Hmm… Yes, I can try to talk to my friend. She is also a refugee, maybe she will understand.

Julie: That’s brilliant. If these symptoms continue or got worse, you can also talk to a doctor or a nurse and see if they can help you.

Rahin: See a doctor for this? No way! Other people will judge me and think I am crazy! What if they lock me in a hospital? I don’t want to be locked up.

Julie: Don’t worry Rahin, no one is going to lock you up. Getting help from a doctor doesn’t mean you are crazy. It is common to get help for mental health problems here. Everything you tell the doctor is confidential meaning that no one else will know about it. The doctor will not judge you because they probably have helped other people with similar symptoms.

Rahin: Hmm…… ok if the doctor won’t tell anyone, I can try to see a doctor.