Now I dare to dream again about having a dog or maybe even children
A Brazilian immigrant describes overcoming a lifetime of childhood trauma, abuse, and subsequent mental health struggles after moving to the Netherlands. Following an intensive trauma treatment and the stabilization of her life in Amsterdam, she is finally looking forward to a positive future.
A woman recounts a traumatic upbringing in Brazil, where she faced neglect while living in a bar and dealt with an abusive stepfather. She later suffered sexual abuse by a relative, an incident her family dismissed. Seeking safety, she moved to Portugal with her husband but struggled with the aftereffects of her childhood, including substance use and severe mental health issues. After enduring racism in Portugal, the couple moved to the Netherlands in 2022 to find stability.
Upon arriving, she faced a difficult transition that led to a suicide attempt, but this crisis eventually forced her to seek professional help. She successfully completed an intensive trauma program and quit substance use. She now resides in Amsterdam Nieuw-West with her husband. Having rebuilt their relationship and purchased a home, she is finally able to move past her history and look forward to a future that may include starting a family or owning a pet.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
