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Instead of doing a professional viewpoints for Burundi alone, we did a general professional viewpoint of refugees. We interviewed Dr. Trede who is a currently a psychiatrist at a mental health clinic and is the director of the refugee clinic there. She answered these questions for us:

"She is fearful and therefore avoids any official agencies, she sticks with women in her culture and has a tougher time integrating with the new culture. Also, she would not make eye contact with men and she would always walk behind them and when asked a question, she would immediately feel that she was being interrogated and would have flashbacks because she isn't used to being asked for her opinion."
 * As a woman who has had no to minimal rights (see Before Refugee Crisis), what problems might she encounter when she integrates into the U.S. culture?**

"I always ask the patient how I can help them first because her answer will guide me in my treatment. Sometimes people need to tell you their story but other times telling their story will re-traumatize them. Most times, the victim agrees with the belief that she is "impure" and in this case, I would address the notion of shame, help her understand that nothing that she did invited the perpetrator to do what he or she did. By reducing the shame, they are also able to better distance themselves from the deeply engrained, cultural beliefs. Mostly though, I listen to them, I hug them, and I help them sleep by giving them medication when necessary. Often times, they have nightmares that keep them awake at night and sleep is fundamental in their recovery."
 * If a woman has been raped and then considered "impure" by her society, how would you help her?**

"Drug addiction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): disassociation, flashbacks, nightmares, depression, irritability, and suicidal thoughts."
 * If a former child-soldier comes to you for psychological help, what kind of problems may he have?**

"Medication for some of the PTSD such as the insomnia and nightmares. Therapy that helps them re-integrate into a healthier society. There are many different types of therapy but one that might be useful for this type of case is called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which focuses on a specific behavious and tries to change it. Also, finding them a good home, education, job, and sports that will keep their attention focused on something positive. Interacting with peers and staying in touch with their culture is also extremely important to help them lead a new and improved life.
 * How would you help him?**

"She can get Sexually-Transmitted Diseases (STD) and she raises her children by herself because the husband is busy with his other wives. Most importantly, though, is that no one takes care of them; they are left alone and are expected to be extremely dependent on their husband and cater to his every need."
 * If a woman has been married to a polygamist with many other wives, how would she be affected by that situation?**

The problem with refugees is that they have to integrate with the new culture and yet, you want them to hold on to their own beliefs and customs; they need to preserve their identity. Many refugees also come from countries with very poor medical health care and they need to be taken care of in that way. We send them to English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, and classes to help them pass the Naturalization Test (citizen test for refugees who have lived in the US for 5+ years). When refugees first come, we have what we call "case managers" that help them get used to everyday things such as taking a bus, learning how to use a heater, taking them to different agencies, etc."
 * What kind of troubles and problems do refugees have when they come to the US and getting used to the different language, culture, etc.?**

They would be uncomfortable in a classroom because they wouldn't be used to a confined teaching environment but they usually have an easier time learning English. Because they are younger, they have an overall easier time integrating into the new culture and they are very helpful to their parents because they learn English and how to use a computer in school.
 * What about the kids? What kind of problems would they face in school and in their new environment?**

"When refugees come to the US, they are often very busy getting their kids to school, finding a job, setting up their apartments, etc. that they are distracted, at least initially, and don't show symptoms of trauma. But, after a while, they start to show symptoms and that is when they come to the mental health clinic to deal with their psychological problems.
 * Are there any other major problems with refugees that you encounter that we haven't mentioned already?**

Trede, Anna K. Personal interview. 13 May 2007.
 * Source:**