Mental Health Awareness Month and PTSD

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this newsletter will be raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—a condition that impacts people of all identities but is often compounded by lived experiences of marginalization, discrimination and systemic injustice.

We acknowledge the unique traumas faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants and survivors of generational, racial or identity-based violence. Healing looks different for everyone and all pathways to recovery are valid.

PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This can include: combat or war, physical or sexual assault, domestic or community violence, systemic trauma (e.g., racism, homophobia, transphobia, etc.), medical trauma, natural disasters or accidents and family rejection.

Symptoms may include: Flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive thoughts, avoidance of triggers or reminders, difficulty regulating mood or emotions and hypervigilance or being easily startled.

Healing practices for PTSD symptoms can include:

• Grounding techniques: Focus on your senses (sight, sound, touch, etc.) to stay present.

• Somatic practices: Yoga, breathwork or dance to release trauma stored in the body. 

• Joy as resistance: Make space for things that bring pleasure and peace. 

• Creative expression: Journal, paint or write poetry to process what words can’t say.

• Boundaries: Say no to what drains you. Advocate for what you need. 

• Community care: Lean on trusted friends, peer support groups or cultural healing spaces.

Healing from PTSD takes time, support and compassion. Whether you're just beginning or deep in the process, know this: You are worthy of healing. You are allowed to rest. You are not alone.

This month Looking Glass Counseling is pleased to support The ArCS Cluster. The ArCS Cluster mobilizes local volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of refugees in Arlington, Cambridge, Somerville and nearby communities. They provide practical help, emotional support and financial assistance to individuals and families throughout their journey to establish themselves in a new community.

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Joelle Anter Dardik, LICSW values collaboration in therapy and strives to create a safe and non-judgmental space to support personal growth. She uses a person-centered, strengths-based approach to individualize therapy to the needs of the client.

Joelle has completed advanced training in trauma-informed treatment, working with victims of commercial sexual exploitation, and in perinatal mental health. She is also experienced and interested in working with neurodiverse clients.

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