War in Ukraine: What Are the Refugees Saying?
These Emergency rescuers speak from Moldova. They report the words and emotions of those fleeing the conflict
“Emergency” is in Balti, Moldova. Help those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The organization has been present for almost two months with its Politruck. It provides socio-health and psychological aid. Andrea Bellardinelli is the contact person for the institution’s migration and emergencies program. Now he has sent another update.
In fact, the mobile clinic continues to work. In recent weeks the Politruck has visited more than 130 people. It has offered over 200 performances. Those who have arrived show symptoms of great stress. The causes are the situation they have gone through. But also the journey they have gone through to escape the conflict.
They are women, children, and elderly people, who often suffer from chronic diseases. Over 50,000 people have passed through Moldova to date. They were looking for a safe place sheltered from bombs and destruction. And they all share the hope of returning home soon.
In this context, the clinic guarantees a safe place. Here people can also be free for a moment to talk and describe what they have experienced.
The psychologist-psychotherapist of the Emergency team Giovanna reported some testimonies. There are recurring images in refugee stories, such as the following.
The greeting to family members and men who remain to fight is often accompanied by a sense of guilt. Or by the accusation of “not being patriots”. And also because they have “saved themselves while the others remained”.
Some facts affect the physical and psychological health of frail individuals. Among them, there are patients with chronic diseases and the elderly. They are choices like these:
“Having to leave your home full of memories and with the fear of never finding it again. Run away with an envelope in your hand that contains a few objects that summarize a whole life. Get away from your loved ones, engaged in an unpredictable and high-tension context”.
The “Emergency” staff hopes to be able to leave soon because it would mean that this absurd war is over.
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