May is Mental Health Awareness Month

By Joanna Barrett Therapy & Wellness

This month, and every month, I’m committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting meaningful change in mental health.  

Here are some updates and supportive resources for this month:

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – I’m honored to join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (National Capital Area Chapter) as a new volunteer and to serve on the planning committee for PAWS for Prevention, taking place on June 28 at Snouts & Stouts in Arlington, VA. Donations are welcome.

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Chasing Red Flags – On May 7, Chasing Red Flags will release an update to my first published story, “How Yoga Saved Me” (originally published in 2016). This deeply personal narrative offers hope and support for anyone navigating mental health challenges, and brings opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. Read my story on the blog.

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Therapeutic Yoga Workshop for Stress & Anxiety Relief – MIYU Beauty & Wellbeing (Falls Church, VA) on Saturday, May 31 at 1:00-2:15pm

Discover the healing power of therapeutic yoga in this specialized class to help you manage stress and anxiety. Through a combination of gentle physical poses, breathing practices, guided visualizations, and incorporating the 8 Limbs of Yoga, you’ll learn tools to:

Ease anxiety in the mind and Release tension in the body; Decrease racing thoughts and worries; Improve grounding, presence, and centering; Soothe an overactive sympathetic nervous system; Promote emotional balance in the mind, body, and spirit. 

This practice is accessible to all levels and abilities, offering a sacred space to reconnect with yourself, cultivate inner peace, and build resilience. Whether you’re experiencing daily stress or chronic anxiety, the intention is to leave feeling more grounded, calm, and empowered with techniques to integrate into your daily life.

In addition to movement and breath, this class invites you to explore the deeper wisdom of yoga beyond the physical postures. By integrating mindfulness, self-inquiry, and the principles of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, you’ll cultivate a more compassionate relationship with yourself and your emotions. This holistic approach supports not just stress relief, but a path toward greater self-awareness, balance, and inner strength—both on and off the mat.

Due to the trauma-informed nature of this practice, hands-on assists will NOT be offered. Register here.

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Managing Mental Health Challenges: Guidance for Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Career Professionals 

Career Guidance Blog – Massachusetts Business Network

Taking care of your mental health as a business owner or career professional may not seem like a priority, but it is a key to your ultimate success (however you define success for yourself!). Emotional wellness can truly make or break your business life and your personal life, and if it breaks, it’s a long road to get back to where you need to be to live fully in the ways you want…. Read more.

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Healing Beyond Words: Embracing a Different Approach to Therapy

Some life experiences live beyond language. Emotions like anxiety, grief, and stress are often stored not just in the mind but in the body… What could be possible if you felt truly at home in your body?… Read the blog.

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Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation 

As an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, I encourage you to support the reauthorization of the “Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act.” This first-of-its-kind law protects healthcare workers’ mental health. Learn more and contact your representatives.

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Let’s continue to hold space for each other, speak openly about mental health without judgment or stigma, and advocate for effective and lasting change. Please remember, you are not alone, and together – we can make a difference.

Interested in learning more about how I can support you to improve your mental health?

Complete the New Client Inquiry Form and let’s get started today!