THEMATIC REPORT 2017 TORTURE AND MIGRATION Physical and Psychological Problems 40 percent of the clients are reporting some form of psychological problems as a result of their torture. This often comes in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder and deep depression. Victims of torture often report having severe headaches, not being able to sleep, feeling suicidal, easily frightened and suspicious, making it extremely difficult to maintain social relations, to work and function in society. Many of the torture rehabilitation centres participating in this report note that their clients describe a general feeling of emptiness, living with no meaning in life. These problems have a very direct and practical impact on all aspects of a person’s life, including their families, communities and societies. In Cameroon, 90 percent of their clients reported experiencing some kind of psychological problem. The most frequently cited problems were emotional and sleeping difficulties as well as psychosomatic problems. IRCT member centre TCC report they are perceived by the local population to be competing for scarce resources and public services, which can lead to greater marginalisation and compound existing mental health disorders. “We have seen significant numbers of people who have been uprooted in extremely violent circumstances; having suffered from torture themselves and having witnessed family members being tortured or killed” Joel Manfo Trauma Centre Cameroon Figure 15. Psychological Problems Reported by Clients: Cameroon 55 60 47 50 40 43 35 39 38 30 20 10 0 Cognitive difficulties Emotional difficulties Sleeping difficulties page 27 Psychosomatic problems Social functioning Feelings towards the self