Five years ago, I started the Albany Climb. This cause is so important to me because it's had a huge effect on my life. When my son was born in March 2010, I immediately experienced severe PostPartum Depression and Psychosis. I struggled to ask for help. My son was a very sick baby and screaming in pain constantly. I figured no mom would love this, it's normal. Finally after five moths when I couldn't stop crying all day, I realized this wasn't normal. I sought professional help and the first psychiatrist I visited told me that "postpartum depression is a myth made up by the feminist media. I was always going to have this breakdown and I was just blaming my baby for it." It took me several months and hospitalization to find someone who would actually help me. I had two complete psychotic breaks. It took 18 months before I really felt like a mother and felt bonded to my son. In the 7 years since then, it developed into Bipolar Disorder that is now mine permanently. Perinatal mood disorders affect 1 in 5 mothers. This affected my brain, my family, my life, permanently. I saw my son's pediatricians and other specialists, my midwife, and mental health clinicians. If any of them had caught my problems sooner, I could have had a much easier time of early motherhood. I'll neer get that time back. So this is why I climb. So we can educate providers and provide a support network for those who suffer.

Postpartum Support International's Climb Out of the Darkness is the world's largest event for raising awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, while raising money and building community.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
If you or someone you know is suffering, PSI can help: Call 1.800.994.4773 or Text 503.894.9453