Postpartum Support International holds annual 'Climb Out of the Darkness'

Sunday, June 25, in Buffalo; climbs held worldwide to raise awareness of perinatal mental health

Press Release

“Climb Out of the Darkness,” the world’s largest event raising awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders, will hold a regional climb in Buffalo on June 23. Women and men who are survivors of postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder and psychosis from all over the world will walk, stroll or climb together at a local park or hiking trail to symbolize their collective rise out of the darkness.

Participants will raise funds for Postpartum Support International (PSI), a nonprofit organization and online community of support resources for parents around the world.

A press release stated, “Our events are unique from other health walks, because our communities include the people who have suffered from a mental health complication and the doctors, therapists, hospital administrators, researchers and other professionals walking arm in arm.”

Everyone is invited to participate in the local “Climb Out of the Darkness,” to be held at Como Lake Park in Lancaster at 10 a.m. June 25 (registration starts at 9:30am). Participants must register prior to the event at www.give.classy.org/BuffaloNY. Sponsorships from local businesses are also being accepted. Contact local climb leader Jennifer Urban at 716-435-4320 or [email protected] for more information.

“It is an exciting time for ‘Climb Out of the Darkness,’ and a growing awareness worldwide of the mental health needs of new and expecting parents,” said Wendy N. Davis, executive director of Postpartum Support International. “Working together, we are improving the safety net for families around the world. This event unifies those suffering, survivors, doctors, therapists, in the fight against perinatal mental health complications. We hope you will join us.”

Money raised by the climb will support PSI’s goal to provide funds to local groups and organizations, provide low-cost training in perinatal mood disorders for providers in underserved areas, train law enforcement, and legal experts, mentor peer supporters and group leaders, and train primary health care providers.

To learn more about “Climb Out of the Darkness,” visit http://www.postpartum.net/join-us/climbout/ or contact Urban.

For more information on Postpartum Support International, visit www.postpartum.net, follow on Twitter @postpartumhelp or “Like” its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PostpartumSupportInternational and www.facebook.com/PSIClimbOut.