Local & Community
Talking with Thalia: Local Artist Shares Healing Journey During National PTSD Awareness Month
June is National PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and encouraging those who may be struggling to seek help.
While therapy and support groups are often discussed as treatment options, art is becoming an increasingly recognized tool for healing from trauma. For local artist Emeline, creativity has been a lifeline through some of the most difficult moments of her life.
“If you look at my artwork, it looks very happy,” she said. “Lots of positive words. You'd think my life is pretty happy.”
But behind the bright colors and uplifting messages is a story marked by significant trauma. Emeline survived a car fire before graduating from college and later endured additional hardships, including an abusive relationship and the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Mackenzie, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
After moving to London and beginning her professional career, she felt a strong need to create art for herself. That creative outlet quickly became a source of healing.
“Even the making of it is therapeutic,” she explained. “Creating it, composing it, and sharing it with others has helped me cope.”
Her artwork has also impacted the lives of others. One woman purchased a painting filled with positive affirmations and later told Emmeline she wanted to look at it every morning while caring for her husband, who has Alzheimer's disease.
“To me, that felt like I was giving something back,” Emeline said.
In addition to creating art, she credits the local arts community with helping her navigate some of her darkest days.
“What I love about the Palm Springs area is the multitude of artists and the amazing community,” she said. “When everything went upside down for me, artist friends sat with me at the courthouse and offered support when my children were scared. The community here has become my support system.”
To honor the memory of her daughter Mackenzie, Emeline creates an annual art project called “Mackenzie's Hearts.” Each year, she designs and distributes handmade heart-themed pieces to fellow artists and supporters.
This year, she expanded the project to benefit the Loving Way Foundation, a nonprofit that supports families affected by child abuse. During the project's opening event, more than 20 pieces were sold, raising both awareness and support for the cause.
For Emeline, art is more than a hobby—it is a form of healing, remembrance, and connection.
Mental health advocates say her story highlights the importance of finding healthy ways to process trauma. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and may cause intense emotional or physical reactions when reminders of that trauma arise.
Experts encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of PTSD to seek support through counseling, therapy, support groups, or other healing outlets such as art, music, or creative expression.
As National PTSD Awareness Month continues, Emmeline hopes her journey reminds others that healing is possible and that no one has to face trauma alone.
“There's help out there,” Hayden said. “There's no shame in getting help or seeking help. It's the answer and the solution.”
For many survivors, recovery begins with finding a safe space to share their story—and sometimes, that story is told through art.
By: Thalia Hayden
June 15, 2026
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