#15: When Work Feels Unsafe: Understanding Workplace PTSD and the Black Woman Experience

Welcome back to At Your Best with Roselynn Onah! In this powerful and deeply resonant episode, Roselynn Onah sits down once again with licensed clinical social worker Lynda Carmouche to unpack a topic that affects countless professionals but is rarely discussed openly: workplace PTSD.

Focusing particularly on the experiences of Black women, women of color, and marginalized individuals, this conversation dives into the emotional and psychological toll of toxic workplaces.

From personal stories to professional insights, Roselynn and Lynda explore:

• What workplace PTSD is and how it manifests in high-functioning professionals.
• The impact of microaggressions, gaslighting, and emotional harm.
• The danger of over-identifying with your job.
• The importance of boundaries, self-worth, and emotional safety at work.
• Practical strategies for healing, advocating for yourself, and knowing when it’s time to move on.

About the Guest: Lynda Carmouche

Lynda Carmouche, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, strategist, and the host of The Elephant Room podcast. With a passion for mental health, workplace healing, and social justice, Linda empowers clients—especially women of color—to reclaim their voice and emotional safety in spaces that often silence them.

Drawing from her own lived experiences and professional expertise, she supports individuals in setting boundaries, understanding trauma, and navigating toxic work environments with clarity and strength.

Connect with Lynda:

• Website: https://www.lyndacarmouche.com/
• Instagram: @lyndacarmouche

Key Takeaways:

• PTSD is real—even in workplaces: Emotional harm at work can lead to long-lasting psychological effects that go far beyond “stress.”

• Confidence is often weaponized: For Black and brown professionals, especially women, confidence can be misread as aggression or arrogance.
• Boundaries are essential: Learning to communicate your worth and needs can shift the dynamic in harmful workplaces.
• Evaluations aren’t everything: Remember that your leader’s opinion is not the full truth—know your own value and keep track of your accomplishments.
• Healing is necessary: Don’t carry trauma from one job to the next. Seek professional help and give yourself the grace to heal.

Tools & Tips Mentioned:

• Write weekly “wins” to your manager to document performance.
• Evaluate yourself alongside formal reviews.
• Prioritize yourself: take your PTO, set clear boundaries, and avoid over-identifying with your job.
• Seek out trauma-informed therapy before jumping into a new job.

Follow us on socials & stay connected!

• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@roselynnonah
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roselynnonah/

Reflective Prompt:

Where are you still carrying wounds from an unsafe work environment?

Share your reflections on social media using #AtYourBestPod.