Bashir at the migration office (UNIRI-04-EN)

Bashir is a 22-year-old immigrant from Syria. He left his country with a cousin while his family remained in homeland. After days of travelling across several boarders, often in crowded truck trunks, he is now looking for asylum at the migration office. Officers noticed there is something different with this person as he seemed detached, had almost robot-like movements and would respond automatically without any emotions to simple questions. They also noticed he had not showered in days and smelled of yesterday’s alcohol consumption.

The migration officer trained in trauma-informed approach took Bashir inside the office. Knowing the possible background, he inquired Bashir empathetically about his journey and how he feels now. Bashir told a few words about the journey, although he still gave the impression of not being present. Throughout, the interviewer showed empathy through non-verbal signs and gentle facilitation of conversation acknowledging that it must have been very difficult physically and emotionally. Bashir felt more comfortable to confess that he is feeling very strange, as if he has no emotions and that thought makes him afraid.

During their appointment, the officer inquired whether Bashir has someone in this country whom he knows or is close with.

In a non-judgmental way, the officer explained that after such stressful and traumatic events it is not uncommon for people to experience various reactions, sometime even freeze out their emotions or use alcohol and drugs for self-help. However, those can very difficult symptoms by themselves, and he encouraged Bashir to seek out help.

The officer gave Bashir leaflets and explained where to go for further assistance, organizations that offer food, bed, clothes, and shower but also those that offer psychological and medical care. The leaflet included all relevant addresses and phone numbers, including does of emergency.

Assist. Prof. Aleksandra Stevanović, psychol. PhD (UNIRI-MEDRI)