Welcome to our new blog!

I am one of the board members of DartHeart, a nonprofit organization started by a group of Dartmouth students in the fall of 2007. We provide individual advocacy, support groups, and access to our network of resources for students dealing with post traumatic stress while in college. Currently our efforts are focused on working with sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and veterans.
 
So, what's so great about our organization? DartHeart is all about students helping students. College brings enough stress as is. Having to also deal with the anxieties and pressures accompanying post traumatic stress can often feel overwhelming. Our goal is to provide a forum for students to connect with other students who have shared their experience.
 
My recovery is a slow ongoing process, but I would not be where I am today without the support of the members of DartHeart. There is something incredibly special about finding a group of people who have shared your experience and can understand the intricacies of balancing your health and well-being with everything else that's on your plate.
 
I'm a talker. Whether it is to myself, a wall, or to friends, I need to talk through my problems no matter how big or small they may seem to others. Support groups give me the opportunity to do just that: talk it out. However, listening can prove equally beneficial. Maybe you're shy? Maybe you're uncomfortable talking about your experience? Maybe you think no one could possibly understand what you're going through? If you are dealing with post traumatic stress, try meeting with us. See if we can help. While our individual experiences with trauma were unique, our coping mechanisms and responses are shockingly similar. Just take some time to listen and know that you're not alone.