When I find myself in need of a real break from the challenges in this world, I often turn to the world created by one of my favorite authors, Terry Pratchett. Imagine a world situated on a flat disc, supported on the back of four elephants who stand on the shell of a giant turtle flying through space inhabited not only by humans but also wizards, witches, trolls, dwarfs, vampires, and the occasional talking dog. This is Discworld. And while there is an element of escape when I crack open the spine of one of his books, Terry Pratchett has the remarkable ability to turn me right back around to seeing our own world through renewed eyes.
Case in point from the latest book I read: “Seeing things a human shouldn’t have to see makes us human.”
Right, that. Yes, I remember. I allow this truth to settle back into my awareness.
This being human comes with pain, loss, and suffering – both our own and bearing witness to what is experienced by our fellow travelers. It is hard to see and keep seeing.
And being human comes with agency. The ability to see, reflect, and then act with intention.
Our two blogs this month on PTSD and the increased risk of trauma exposure for the LGBTQ+ community brings us up close to seeing what we shouldn’t have to see. And with this knowing comes choice and an opportunity to activate our own power. There are many tools and resources available through the TINRC to support embodying a trauma responsive way of being.
And perhaps most importantly, here you will find you are not alone. There are folks across the state who also see what you see, willing and ready to work towards co-authoring a new narrative.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
Sessions in English occur every
Tuesday at 6 a.m., 12 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Session in Spanish occurs every Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Time: 12-1pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Date: July 13th & July 14th
Time: 12pm – 6:30pm (both days)
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Register your organization!
Share the survey with your leadership & staff
Receive an action-oriented report
Schedule a free one-hour call w/ TINRC staff for personalized support
Make meaningful, trauma-responsive changes
Days 1 & 2: September 29th & 30th
Day 3: October 7th
Time: 9am-5pm (all days)
Location:
Days 1 & 2: Castleton-on-Hudson
Day 3: Virtual via Zoom
Please join us for the NYS TINRC 3rd Annual Join the Journey Conference at The Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs, NY!
Registration & more details coming soon!
Trauma can affect anyone. Certain groups, like people in the LGBTQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) are more likely to go through trauma.
June is PTSD Awareness Month — a crucial time to build upon our understanding of trauma.
The Intersection of Racial Identity, Wellbeing, and Trauma-Responsive Practice
In this episode of Pathways, Licensed Social Worker and Adjunct Professor Cecily Mitchell-Harper discusses her passion for trauma-responsive practice and the intersectionality of identity and well-being.
Episode 4: Long Island is now live!
The NYS TINRC ENews is produced by CCSI. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).
