Torture and Trauma Support in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Many refugees and asylum seekers who resettle in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have survived torture or severe war‑related trauma before arriving in West Michigan. National research suggests that about seven out of ten refugees in the United States have been tortured or experienced serious conflict‑related violence.

Grand Rapids is home to a growing refugee and immigrant community, and local healthcare systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health increasingly care for survivors of torture and trauma. Understanding what torture and trauma look like—and where to get help locally—is essential for healing.

What Is Torture and War‑Related Trauma?

Torture is the deliberate infliction of severe physical or psychological pain by authorities, armed groups, or others in power. War‑related trauma can include violence, persecution, or life‑threatening situations during conflict or flight.

Common Forms of Torture

Some forms of torture cause visible, lasting scars:

  • Beatings or whipping
  • Burns (including cigarette or chemical burns)
  • Amputations or other severe injuries
  • Sexual violence and rape

Other forms are extremely painful but may leave few or no visible marks:

  • Starvation or dehydration
  • Being forced to stand, kneel, or hold painful positions for long periods
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Mock executions or threats of death

Examples of War‑Related Trauma

Refugees in Grand Rapids may have experienced:

  • Imprisonment or detention
  • Witnessing rape, murder, or torture of family or community members
  • Bombings, shootings, or attacks on their homes or villages
  • Dangerous journeys to safety (for example, crossing seas, deserts, or borders under threat)

These experiences can lead to post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other long‑term physical and emotional health problems.

PTSD and Other Common Reactions to Torture and Trauma

What Is Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a terrifying or life‑threatening event. It is common among survivors of torture and war.

Common PTSD symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks or intense memories that feel like the trauma is happening again
  • Nightmares that are vivid and frightening
  • Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind them of the trauma
  • Feeling constantly on guard or “on edge”
  • Strong feelings of fear, guilt, shame, or anger

In Grand Rapids, where loud winter storms, fireworks, or sirens may be common, these sounds can sometimes trigger flashbacks for survivors who have lived through conflict or bombings.

Physical Symptoms After Torture and Trauma

Survivors may have both visible injuries and “invisible” physical symptoms that don’t have a clear medical cause.

Common Physical Complaints

  • Headaches or migraines
  • Muscle pain, shaking, or trembling
  • Long‑term pain from soft tissue injuries (from beatings or restraints)
  • Back, neck, or joint pain
  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
  • Vision problems
  • Unexplained skin rashes
  • Stomach upsets, nausea, or digestive issues
  • Sleep problems, including insomnia or frequent waking

Cold Michigan winters can make chronic pain, joint problems, and old injuries feel worse. Survivors may feel more discomfort during the colder months in Grand Rapids.

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms in Adults

People who have been tortured or traumatized can have a wide range of emotional and behavioral reactions. These can affect work, school, relationships, and daily life in West Michigan.

Common Emotional Symptoms

  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Irritability, anger, or aggression
  • Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
  • Depression or feeling emotionally “numb”
  • Loss of interest in activities or life in general
  • Feeling like they have no future

Avoidance and Disconnection

Many survivors work very hard to avoid anything that reminds them of their trauma. This can include:

  • Keeping thoughts and feelings separate
  • Choosing to “think” instead of “feel”
  • “Disconnecting” from the world and appearing to daydream or be far away
  • Avoiding crowds, public places, or busy areas like downtown Grand Rapids events
  • Avoiding authority figures or anyone in uniform (police, security, even some hospital staff)

Because medical professionals have sometimes been involved in torture in some countries, survivors may:

  • Avoid hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists, and nurses
  • Delay or refuse needed medical or dental care
  • Feel very anxious in waiting rooms or during exams

This can make it harder to get care at local facilities such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, or community clinics, even when care is safe and supportive.

Harmful Ways of Coping

Some survivors turn to unhealthy coping strategies to manage their pain and memories.

Risky Coping Behaviors

  • Misusing alcohol
  • Using illegal drugs or misusing prescription medications
  • Self‑harm
  • Risky behaviors that put their health or safety in danger

These behaviors can increase the risk of:

  • Addiction and substance use disorders
  • Job loss or school problems
  • Relationship breakdown
  • Legal problems in Kent County
  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

If you or someone you know in Grand Rapids is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency department, such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Symptoms of Torture and Trauma in Children

Children in refugee and immigrant families in Grand Rapids may also have survived or witnessed torture or war‑related trauma. Their symptoms depend on age, development, and specific experiences.

Common Symptoms in Children

  • Having the same nightmare over and over
  • Confusing reality with fantasy (not sure what is real)
  • Stuttering or new speech problems
  • Repetitive play that acts out the trauma (for example, war games, violence, or escape)
  • Destroying toys or acting out aggression in play
  • Agitated, anxious, or clingy behavior
  • Problems at school, including:
    • Difficulty concentrating or learning new skills
    • Antisocial behavior or withdrawal from other children
    • Sudden drop in grades or school refusal

Younger children who cannot yet talk may show stress through:

  • Changes in sleep or appetite
  • Tantrums or crying more than usual
  • Disturbing drawings or play themes

Local schools in Grand Rapids, including Grand Rapids Public Schools and surrounding districts, may partner with school counselors and social workers to support refugee and immigrant children who have experienced trauma.

Long‑Term Complications Without Treatment

Without appropriate support and treatment, survivors of torture and trauma—both adults and children—may face long‑lasting challenges.

Possible Long‑Term Complications

  • Ongoing alcohol or drug abuse
  • Inability to trust others
  • Difficulty forming or maintaining close relationships
  • Problems with school or work performance
  • Anxiety disorders, such as phobias or panic attacks
  • Severe depression
  • Ongoing PTSD symptoms
  • Social isolation and withdrawal from community life

In a city like Grand Rapids, where community and faith‑based organizations play a big role in daily life, these complications can make it harder for survivors to feel connected and supported.

Support and Treatment Options in Grand Rapids, MI

There are local and national services available to help survivors of torture and trauma in West Michigan. Treatment is confidential and can be adapted to cultural and language needs.

Types of Treatment and Support

  • Medical care
    • Evaluation and treatment of physical injuries and chronic pain
    • Referrals to specialists (neurology, orthopedics, ENT, dermatology, etc.)
  • Mental health care
    • Trauma‑focused counseling and psychotherapy
    • PTSD treatment (such as cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR)
    • Stress management and relaxation techniques
  • Interpreters and language support
    • Professional interpreters to ensure clear communication
    • Culturally sensitive care that respects beliefs and traditions
  • Social and practical support
    • Help connecting with housing, employment, and education resources
    • Support with navigating the U.S. healthcare system in Kent County
    • Referrals to local refugee and immigrant support organizations

Local Resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County

While specific torture‑survivor programs may change over time, the following local resources are good starting points:

  • Kent County Health Department
    Provides public health services, referrals, and information on mental health and refugee health programs.
    Website: accesskent.com/Health

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids
    Offers community health information, connections to local clinics, and behavioral health resources.

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    Offers primary care, specialty care, and behavioral health services, including trauma‑informed care.

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Provides hospital and outpatient mental health services, including counseling and psychiatric care.

  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Community‑based healthcare with access to specialists and behavioral health referrals.

  • Mercy Health and local community clinics
    Provide low‑cost or sliding‑scale care for uninsured or underinsured patients.

  • Local refugee and immigrant support organizations
    Many faith‑based groups, nonprofits, and community centers in Grand Rapids assist refugees and asylum seekers with housing, employment, and mental health referrals.

For the most up‑to‑date information, ask your primary care provider, school counselor, or local community organization for referrals to torture and trauma survivor services in Grand Rapids, MI.

When to Seek Help

You should consider seeking help from a healthcare or mental health professional in Grand Rapids if you or a loved one:

  • Have frequent nightmares or flashbacks
  • Avoid people, places, or situations because of fear or memories
  • Feel constantly on edge, angry, or hopeless
  • Have ongoing physical symptoms without a clear cause
  • Use alcohol or drugs to cope with memories or feelings
  • Have thoughts of self‑harm or suicide

PTSD and trauma‑related conditions are treatable, and many survivors go on to build safe, meaningful lives in West Michigan with the right support.

Key Points to Remember

  • Many refugees and asylum seekers in Grand Rapids, MI, have survived torture or war‑related trauma.
  • Some forms of torture (such as beatings, amputation, rape, and burns) cause lasting physical scars; others (like starvation or forced standing) may not leave visible marks but still cause deep harm.
  • PTSD symptoms include flashbacks and nightmares that are so vivid they feel real, along with avoidance, anxiety, and sleep problems.
  • Symptoms of torture and trauma in children depend on age, development, and experience, and may include nightmares, behavior changes, and school problems.
  • Harmful coping strategies—such as alcohol or drug abuse—are common but treatable with professional help.
  • Treatment in Grand Rapids often includes medical care, trauma‑informed counseling, and access to interpreters and culturally sensitive services.
  • Local resources such as Kent County Health Department, Grand Rapids Public Health, and major health systems (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) can help connect survivors to specialized support.