More than 400 refugees have tried to take their lives since arriving in Germany, according to new government figures.
Of the 433 recorded attempts since 2014, 19 ended in death. The government says that the reasons for migrants wanting to take their own lives are "multiple."
The government also says that the true figure could be much higher as some states - such as Bavaria and Berlin - do not record suicide attempts.
Some of the suicides involve people taking drug overdoses in a bid to get improved accommodation. Others involved genuinely distressed people deeply traumatised by their experiences in war torn countries or their journeys to reach safety.
Social worker Janko Kunze from Leipzig advises depressed refugees at a clinic in Leipzig.
"If the father made it to Germany, but the family is still in Syria or another country, that has a very strong negative impact on people," he said.
Colleague, psychologist Corinna Klinger, said fear of being turned down for asylum and ensuing forced repatriation was another trigger.
"Also, the general feeling of hopelessness and despair in asylum centres can be a significant factor in leading people to attempt suicide," she said.
According to the nationwide Association of Psychosocial Centres for Refugees and Torture Victims, an estimated 30 to 40 per cent of all refugees arriving in Germany suffered some kind of deep trauma before fleeing, or experienced it on the way west.
Refugees have limited access to mental health facilities to deal with their problems, according to migrant support groups.
SOURCE: Express
