June marks two critical observances in the mental health world: National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and Men’s Mental Health Month. These designations serve as a call to action to normalize conversations around mental wellness and reduce the stigma that continues to keep so many suffering in silence—particularly in Black communities.
To deepen the conversation, we sat down with Dr. Shareefah N. Al’Uqdah, a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, and leading voice in culturally grounded mental health care. With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Al’Uqdah has dedicated her life’s work to ensuring that Black individuals and families can access healing spaces that reflect who they are and where they come from.
She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at Howard University and is the Founder and CEO of Your Neighborhood Clinic, a nonprofit organization focused on delivering affordable, culturally affirming mental health services to the community.
From Purpose to Practice
For Dr. Al’Uqdah, her calling began early.
“I always wanted to help people, even as a child,” she recalls. “But my passion deepened in high school when I read parts of The Bell Curve, a book that misused psychological research to argue that African Americans were intellectually inferior. I knew I had to enter this field to challenge those kinds of racist, harmful beliefs.”
That moment of clarity set the course for a career that’s now helping redefine how mental health is understood and accessed—particularly by those historically left out of the conversation.
Understanding PTSD Beyond the Textbook
PTSD is often portrayed as the aftermath of a single traumatic event—war, violence, or disaster. But Dr. Al’Uqdah challenges this narrow framing.
“PTSD is typically defined as a response to an acute stressor, but in communities that face chronic stress, trauma may show up differently,” she explains. “It can look like depression, anxiety, or even unhealthy relationship dynamics.”
Common symptoms include mood changes such as sadness, numbness, or irritability; avoidance behaviors like withdrawal and isolation; and hyperarousal—being easily triggered or constantly on edge.
One major misconception? “That trauma has to be dramatic or easily visible,” says Dr. Al’Uqdah. “In reality, people can carry deep wounds from persistent experiences like racism, financial instability, or emotional neglect. These are just as valid.”
Supporting Loved Ones Through Healing
When someone is living with PTSD, support from family and friends can be vital—but it must be informed.
“Listening is the first step,” she emphasizes. “Then educate yourself. There are excellent resources out there—books, therapy directories, podcasts, even supportive social media accounts.”
Dr. Al’Uqdah encourages sharing helpful content, offering encouragement to seek professional help, and avoiding judgment. “You don’t need to fix it. Just be present and ready with resources.”
Centering Men’s Mental Health
In June, the spotlight also turns to men’s mental health—a conversation that’s long overdue.
“Many men struggle to talk about their feelings because they equate vulnerability with weakness,” says Dr. Al’Uqdah. “They’re often more comfortable discussing thoughts than emotions.”
The social stigma surrounding masculinity and mental health leaves many men feeling isolated, ashamed, or afraid to ask for help. Dr. Al’Uqdah wants to change that.
Small Steps Toward Help
“Therapy works,” she affirms. “But if a man isn’t ready to talk, that’s okay. Start by reading. Listen to a podcast. Journal. Build a safe space with friends.”
She believes connection is key. “You don’t always have to be the strong one. There are people who want to support you—let them.”
To foster more open conversations, she encourages reframing how we engage. “Instead of asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’ try, ‘How have you been feeling lately?’ We need to invite honesty, not diagnosis.”
A Call to Community
Dr. Al’Uqdah’s work reminds us that healing is not a destination—it’s a process, one rooted in culture, community, and compassion. As June draws attention to PTSD and men’s mental health, her message is clear: everyone deserves access to care that affirms their identity and meets them where they are.
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For more on culturally grounded mental health, visit Your Neighborhood Clinic and join the movement to make mental wellness more inclusive, accessible, and real.
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