paroolOct 12, 2026, 01:00

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.

Lifestyle Health Amsterdam Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Painful, black toenails after running: this is 'runner's toe' and how you can prevent it

Runners toe, or a subungual hematoma, is a frequent injury caused by repetitive impact or direct pressure on the toes, often affecting endurance athletes. While usually harmless, the condition results in painful bruising under the nail that can take months to fully resolve as the nail grows out.

Aid worker Tim has been volunteering at Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years

Tim Zandbergen has volunteered as a first aid responder for the Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years, using his bicycle to provide rapid medical assistance. He carries essential equipment like an AED to help participants and spectators during emergencies, including life-threatening situations.

How to recover after a marathon: Five tips from a physiotherapist

Physical therapist Milou Schooneman offers recovery tips for participants of the Amsterdam Marathon, emphasizing the need for gentle movement, proper nutrition, and hydration. She advises runners to gradually rebuild their training intensity over the week following the race and to seek medical advice if muscle pain persists.

NH gets an exclusive look: this is what Amsterdam Marathon top runners eat for breakfast

Elite athletes participating in the Amsterdam Marathon prioritize simple, familiar meals in the days leading up to the race to avoid digestive distress. Whether opting for plain bread with honey or traditional African staples like beans and eggs, competitors focus on consistency rather than dietary experimentation.

Freek Gillissen (1955-2026) was a tower of strength for people with dementia and their loved ones

Freek Gillissen, a nursing consultant and co-founder of Alzheimercentrum Amsterdam, has died at the age of 71. He was highly regarded for his commitment to supporting both dementia patients and their families by fostering meaningful communication during the progression of the disease.