Living through crisis
Refugees are no stranger to uncertainty, life disruption and unfortunate events.
Covid19 has bought much chaos globally, and Aussies have suffered the mental health effects of governmental lockdowns, changes to daily routines, separation from interstate and international family, fear over food supplies, as well as health concerns. In many ways, Covid’s disruptions might be the closest thing that some Aussies will experience to relate and empathise with refugee hardships.
We recently asked Nihad, a 22 year old refugee from Iraq, some questions about her personal experiences during times of crisis and how she is coping with the Covid19 situation.
Have you been through isolating or painful experiences before?
Yes indeed. When IS/ISIS (Islamic State) attacked my town in 2014, I was taken hostage by terrorists along with many other women and children. I was isolated from my family, friends and home for many months. I didn’t know what the future would bring. This was a very terrible time for me and my people, and we suffered greatly.
Did you struggle with fear and anxiety about the future during these times?
Sometimes I was very worried about the future, especially when I was captive to ISIS and I didn’t know if I would survive, or if I could escape.
As a new resident to Australia, how are you coping with the impacts of Covid19?
At the moment I am not very worried about the future because I think it’s a season of time, but it will pass.
How has your community (Yezidi people) supported each other during crisis times?
Since 2014, the Yezidi people have suffered many difficult times together. But we are strong and I know we can pass this stage of Covid19 too. We must all preserve each other by obeying the laws and recommendations of this country that we now live.
We can use this time to develop ourselves by doing things that will benefit our future, such as learning and improving our English language, as well as learning other new things.
What gives you hope in times of crisis?
Yezidi people have a history of suffering 74 attempted genocides. We are survivors. Our history of surviving gives me hope. I now live in Australia, and this is a wonderful and safe place for Yezidi people to live - this is my story of hope and goodness after much pain.
As someone who has lived through traumatic events and unstable times, Nihad keeps hope that hard times will pass, and even good can come from it.
