War

War triggers immense stress that can turn into post-traumatic stress. The first to be affected are of course the direct victims, and in France in particular, the refugees who come to seek asylum. But those involved in the war (military, humanitarian workers, diplomats, journalists) are also confronted with it, whether they are in the field of operations or whether the conflict revives an older traumatic memory. Sometimes expatriates can also be exposed to PTSD because they are posted in a country suddenly at war. Even a citizen of a peaceful country can be destabilized by a conflict in another country: by exposure to distressing images and news, but also by the reminder of a war memory that has affected his family or a journey of exile. Children, from a country at war or in peace, are not spared either.

The Cn2r provides leads so that everyone, regardless of their situation, can find resources to first identify a possible psychological injury but also to treat it and get better.

Understanding psychotrauma

Refugees and asylum seekers

Even without a protection document or in an irregular situation, a person in migration can seek psychological support at the PASS health centers (permanence d'accès aux soins de santé) or at the emergency room. There are also specialized structures such as the Primo Levi Center in Paris or Osiris in Marseille.

The CN2R provides information sheets to accompany and care for the exiled person. However, in many cultures, calling on a mental health professional is not taken for granted and many people are not even aware that this type of help exists.

It is therefore up to the people accompanying the migrants or the health professionals who meet them during a health care procedure to be attentive and to raise the possibility of a consultation with them.

See our Migration file

Citizens, volunteers of associations, families and individuals hosting refugees

Consult the recommendations for accompanying refugees who are housed

Talking to children about war

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Two interviews that give keys through the example of Ukraine.

Dr. Julie Rolling Prof. Marie-Rose Moro

Military

Un numéro d’appel anonyme et gratuit 08 08 800 321 Écoute Défense est accessible aux militaires, anciens militaires ou civils de la Défense, confrontés à la difficulté d’exprimer leur souffrance ou qui sont témoins des difficultés d’un proche.

The counsellors, who are military psychologists with a special awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder, are committed to providing a response within 24 hours and to offering a consultation within a maximum of one week. They then refer to one of the 55 medical centers or nine army hospitals specialized in PTSD.

The Ministry of Defense has also set up the experimental ATHOS homes, to strengthen the support of psychologically injured soldiers, outside the medical care system.

Professionals

Humanitarians, diplomats, journalists, international civil servants or observers, expatriates

Journalists, diplomats or humanitarians may think they are protected from the impact of war by professional reflexes and skills. The reality is quite different. Certain stressful situations or their repetition during a career can leave lasting marks and destabilize even the most seasoned, sometimes years after the event.

Even though talking about difficulties may still be taboo in some professions, it is important not to remain alone and to discuss with your colleagues and your hierarchy. If you need to, contact the occupational health department, mental health professionals and the medical and psychological emergency unit (CUMP) near you. You can also seek psychological follow-up.

In the field or when you return from a mission, it is important to take care of yourself as best as possible: listen to yourself and take care of your sleep and rest time, maintain activities and relationships that are important to you and be attentive to your lifestyle and balance.

[/vc_row_inner]Interview with Dr. Olivia Hicks

"How to survive to a post-traumatic stress?"

Jean-Paul Mari | TEDxCannes

Professionals in contact with refugees in France

Frontline Professionals: Welcoming Populations at Risk of War

French Guide English Guide

Coordination: Dr Amaury Mengin and Dr Julie Rolling, psychiatrists of the CRP Grand Est, in association with Pr Pierre Vidailhet and Dr Dominique Mastelli.

War