This is me in the hospital the day my first child was born. What a rollercoaster of emotions I went through that I was never expecting as a new mom. I struggled hard through postpartum depression, anxiety, rage, and even PTSD. It took me a long time to recognize what I was feeling and reach out for help. Even seeking assistance was difficult and it took me several attempts to find the right help for me. I went through trauma therapy to address lingering thoughts and feelings after my son's birth. I finally accepted to try medication as a way to treat my issues with intrusive thoughts and panic attacks. My kid is 2 years old now and over the last year I finally feel I have found myself again. I have climbed out of the darkness and am much happier.

However, currently being pregnant with twins arriving soon definitely has me on edge if these emotions will rise again. But I feel much more prepared to address it and know I have a great support system to help me fight it off. I truly believe there needs to be more support, assistance, and resources for both women and men experiencing these things after birth. I'm choosing to be a voice for this cause and speak up about my experience in hopes to make others brave enough to show their vulnerable side. We need to support one another! This is my reason for participating in The Climb Out of the Darkness. I hope you will keep reading to find out more about it and if you wish to help increase resources in my community then please make a donation. Moms like me will really benefit from it! THANK YOU!

Climb Out of the Darkness® is the world’s largest event raising awareness of maternal mental illnesses like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety & OCD, postpartum PTSD, postpartum psychosis, bipolar/peripartum onset, and pregnancy depression and anxiety.

Climb Out of the Darkness® is typically held on or near the longest day of the year annually to help shine the most light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This year it occurs on June 22, 2019. The event features mothers and fathers/partners across the globe joining together to climb mountains and hike trails to represent their symbolic rise out of the darkness of maternal & paternal mental illness and into the light of hope and recovery.

We can’t wait for Climb Out of the Darkness - NW Georgia/Chattanooga, TN 2019 to be held on June 22, 2019. Help us shine the light of hope with our words and our advocacy efforts, so that our fellow mothers and families will receive better information, treatment, & support and so their new families will get off to the healthy and strong start they deserve. We so excited to announce that all funds raised will go back into our own community for trainings, resources, and direct support!!

The purpose behind our fundraising this year will be to increase awareness of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in our diverse and dynamic community and gain funding for postpartum support groups. There is such a large demand for this type of support and care, but unfortunately our area is lacking in resources.

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