Well friends. It’s that time of the year. I’m so excited! Registration is now open to the public for Climb Out of the Darkness™ 2014.

New here? Wondering what Climb Out of the Darkness is? It’s the world’s largest event raising awareness of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and OCD, postpartum bipolar disorder, postpartum psychosis and pregnancy depression and anxiety. The event was created by and benefits Postpartum Progress Inc., a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that raises awareness and supports pregnant and new moms with maternal mental illness.

Women around the world participate in this grassroots event by going on a hike, climb or walk outside on the longest day of the year (June 21st) to shine a light on PPD and related illnesses. The event is open to anyone and everyone who supports our cause. Anyone can participate, as long as they register, and registration is free.

There isn’t a single Climb, but many being held throughout the world. To participate in Climb Out of the Darkness™, you have several options:

1. You can join a group Climb. Group Climbs are open to all. To see the current list of Climbs and join one in your area, check out our Climb map here. Then register here, and be sure to click “Join A Team” and select the city location for your Climb during registration from the drop down list. We already have 85 teams in 34 states and 5 countries, so check them out!
2. You can choose to do an individual Climb. This means you plan to go on a Climb by yourself, or just privately with your own family or friends, and prefer not to join a larger group of women you don’t know.  Just pick the spot where you plan to Climb and then register by clicking “Fundraise as an individual” in the registration process.
3. You can start and lead a group Climb. If you’d like to be a Climb leader in your area and allow others to join, go for it!  Group Climbs are groups of approximately 10 or more. As a Climb leader – we like to call them Sherpas! – your responsibilities will include recruiting participants to your Climb and encouraging fundraising and team spirit. Just indicate when you register that you’re click Create a Climb, and then name your team based on the state and city of your Climb (for example, Georgia – Atlanta, Alaska – Anchorage or Texas – Austin). We’re happy to email you a team leader guide if you just send us an email to postpartumprogress [at] gmail [dot] com. Team Climbs can be created anytime between now and May 15, 2014. Just please make sure to look at the map first and check if there’s a Climb already in your area before you create one. 

Registration for Climb Out of the Darkness 2014 is being hosted by Crowdrise. So go here NOW!!, and register by clicking the blue button. Be a part of something BIG!!!! We can’t wait to Climb with you.

For more info:  Climb Out of the Darkness FAQ

To sponsor: Climb Out of the Darkness Local & National Sponsorship Info