A.

Smith, a clinical psychologist, explains that these symptoms are common in children who have experienced trauma, and that they can manifest in various ways. The boy’s symptoms are not just a result of the trauma itself, but also of the stress and anxiety surrounding the trauma. The boy’s family is also experiencing significant stress and anxiety, which is further compounding the situation. The boy’s family is facing financial difficulties, and they are struggling to find housing.

The process of resettlement can be incredibly challenging for refugees, and the trauma they experience can manifest in various ways. These can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches. The impact of trauma on refugees is not limited to mental and physical health. It can also affect their social and economic well-being.

**A. The Mental Health Crisis Among Refugees**
**B.

These alarming figures highlight the significant mental health challenges faced by this vulnerable population. The reasons for these high rates of mental health issues are complex and multifaceted. They are often rooted in the traumatic experiences of displacement, separation from loved ones, and the uncertainty of their future.

They believe that early intervention is crucial for children who have experienced trauma. The team at Betancourt’s organization, the Center for Trauma-Informed Care, focuses on providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care to refugees and immigrants. They understand that refugees and immigrants often face unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of social support. These challenges can significantly impact their mental health and well-being.

This approach is particularly effective in building trust and rapport, which are crucial for successful interventions. Siddiqui, a community health worker, plays a vital role in connecting families with resources and services. She acts as a bridge between the community and the healthcare system, ensuring that families receive the necessary support.

They’re worried about Mujib, who’s been missing for three days. The apartment is small, with a single window and a door that leads to a narrow staircase. The walls are bare, and the furniture is minimal. It’s a stark contrast to the bustling city life outside, a world Mujib seems to have been drawn to.

The family is from Afghanistan’s third largest city, Herat, where Mohammad owned a small grocery store. They still have a house in Herat with a big garden where they grew vegetables and fruit. Mujib remembers spending most of his summer evenings doing the thing he loved most. “After I came home from school, I would play with kites on the roof of my house,” he says. He particularly enjoyed kite fighting with his neighbors. It’s a beloved tradition in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan and India, where people try to cut others’ kite strings with their own and set others’ kites free. (Although it’s a bit controversial because the strings are sometimes coated with glass and other additives to sharpen them; the Taliban has banned the practice.)

Mujib, a young boy, is known for his exceptional kite-fighting abilities. He is a master of the art, able to maneuver his kite with incredible precision and control. His kites are often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs, making them stand out in the neighborhood.

She instilled in her children a strong sense of justice and compassion. This upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a strong moral compass. He was raised in a family that valued education and hard work, and he was encouraged to pursue his dreams.

* **The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Program (ARAP):** A U.S. government program designed to help Afghan interpreters and their families relocate to the United States.

* Mujib, a 12-year-old boy, suffers from severe anxiety. * His anxiety is triggered by sudden noises, leading to panic attacks. * Mujib’s anxiety is so severe that it impacts his daily life, making it difficult for him to function normally.

* **Acknowledge and validate their feelings:** Let them know that their child’s behavior is understandable given their experiences. * **Educate yourself:** Learn about the specific challenges refugees face, including trauma, language barriers, and cultural differences. * **Seek professional help:** A therapist specializing in trauma can provide guidance and support for both parents and children.

Raquel C. Zaldívar / New England News Collaborative / New England News Collaborative Mujib Ur Rahman plays a video game on a phone in his living room in Lewiston, Maine, while his parents Mohammad Rahmani, center, and Khadija Rahmani, left, talk. The family arrived in Maine in January and are coping with the stresses of a new life in a country where they don’t know the language. The language barrier is a big source of stress for Khadija and her husband, Mohammad, too. She wants to get certified to work as a nurse here, but she needs fluency in English first. She and Mohammad have been desperately looking for jobs, but most positions require some language proficiency.

“We have to learn the language because we have a hard time not knowing the language,” says Khadija. They are taking driving lessons, even though it may be a long time before they can afford to buy a car. For now, they depend on other people in the Afghan community to give them rides for everything from grocery shopping to health appointments to visits with others in their community. These are common sources of stress among newly resettled refugees, says Siddiqui. It can take a long time for refugees to find a job even if they’re fluent in English, as Siddiqui was when she arrived.

A woman recounts her experience with job searching, highlighting the toll it can take on mental health. She applied for multiple jobs simultaneously, but faced a prolonged period of rejection. This led to anxiety and constant stress.

Raquel C. Zaldívar / New England News Collaborative / New England News Collaborative Shabana Siddiqui at her home in Auburn, Maine. As a refugee from Afghanistan, she knows firsthand how challenging it is to adjust to a new life — and the toll it takes on a family. “The lack of getting a job, or unemployment, really strains your relationship,” she says. And strained relationships lead to family conflicts. There can sometimes be an elevated risk for violence within the home, says Betancourt, because parents are also struggling with their past traumas. “We know this from military families, that when parents are exposed to significant violence in other settings, and they come back to rejoin their family environments,” says Betancourt, “we can see elevated problems with emotion regulation and sometimes more harsh disciplinary practices or harsh interactions between parents and children.”

The summary provided focuses on the impact of trauma on children, particularly in refugee communities. It highlights the negative consequences of harsh interactions and the potential for long-term mental health issues. **Detailed Text:**

The impact of trauma on children, particularly in refugee communities, is a significant concern.

Siddiqui and her colleagues who work with individual families, teach parents positive parenting skills, as well as ways to better manage their own stress through mindfulness strategies. Practicing gratitude, looking for moments of joy and various breathing techniques are some of the mindfulness tools that parents learn. The peer educators also help parents navigate the everyday problems of starting afresh in a new and unfamiliar place. Betancourt and her team found that families who participated reported fewer family arguments and a reduction in symptoms of depression and traumatic stress in their kids. Khadija Rahmani tells me how Shabana Siddiqui has supported her, for example, when she was feeling disheartened about learning English.

You just need to be persistent and focused.’ Her words resonated deeply within me, and I felt a surge of confidence. I knew I could do it. I started working on my project, and I was able to complete it successfully.

“You are the best, and you will be the best.”

This is a common phrase in many cultures, but it is particularly powerful in the young man’s culture. His father, a respected elder, has instilled in him a deep sense of self-worth and pride. He has been taught that he is a valuable member of society, and his contributions are important.

But Siddiqui herself has had a huge impact on Mujib, his mother says. “Shabana sat with him, told him good stories, and talked about safety and security. She said ‘This place is safe and you don’t need to stress.’” Siddiqui also encouraged him to engage more at school — a big source of anxiety for him. Mujib says he looks forward to visits from Siddiqui and talks to her a lot about his life. “We talk about learning English,” says Mujib. “We talk about my school. We talk about everything.” It’s helping him start to move past the shadow of old traumas and toward building a hopeful future in this country.

He is now more engaged in class and actively participates in discussions. He is also more focused and attentive during lessons. He has shown a marked improvement in his academic performance, particularly in math and science. His grades have improved significantly, and he is now consistently achieving top marks in these subjects.