Nearly one million women a year have reported grappling with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder in some capacity. Postpartum Depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders continue to be stigmatized and overlooked. There is, however, an amazing group of women refusing to let their trauma around motherhood be the final definition of their experiences. On or around June 18th of this year, hundreds of women and the people who love and support them will strap on a sturdy pair of shoes and transform their trauma into triumph.
Postpartum Progress’ 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, postpartum bipolar disorder, and pregnancy depression and anxiety. This event is designed to increase the awareness of those suffering with these disorders, reinforce the Warrior Mom Community, and create a space for women to be seen. This year women from all around the world are taking the challenge and declaring it is TIME TO CLIMB. It is time to CLIMB out of darkness, stigma, and suffering. It is time to embrace our power, tell our stories with courage, and support women as they go about the work of mothering.
Our Climb Leaders have already created their teams, and now it’s time for our Climbers to register. You can pick a local team, register, and plan to have a great time in June!
Many of our Climbers choose to fundraise, but it is not a requirement. However, for those choosing to raise money, we want to share what your funds to go support.
Free educational materials distributed upon request to obstetrician, therapy, psychiatry, support groups and pediatrician offices upon request
The development of tools like the New Mom Checklist for Maternal Mental Health.
Programs like our award-winning blog, which had more than 2.6 million pageviews in 2015, and our private support forum for struggling moms, which supports more than 3,000 mothers around the world
Our annual Warrior Mom Conference which prepares survivors of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to become peer advocates for struggling moms in their own communities and raise awareness
Advocacy for better support, less stigma and increased services for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
Every dollar helps, and we appreciate the fundraising efforts made by our Warrior Mom Community. Every Climber who raises $100 receives a free t-shirt. Additionally, every individual Climber who raises $3000 or more will become a member of our (new!) Climb Out of the Darkness Everest Club; they’ll receive recognition on the website and a free ticket to our annual Warrior Mom Conference.
We hope you’ll join us and register for Climb Out of the Darkness. If you have more questions, check out our Climb Out FAQ.
Interested in leading a Climb or finding one to participate in around your community? Check out our Climb map. If you don’t see your area listed email Jasmine, our Program Manager, at climbout@postpartumprogress.org.
