Climb Out of the Darkness® is the world’s largest event raising awareness of maternal mental illnesses like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and OCD, postpartum post-traumatic stress, postpartum psychosis, perinatal bipolar mood disorders, and pregnancy depression and anxiety. 

I went through four years of motherhood not knowing that the rage, irritability, and anhedonia* I was experiencing daily were symptoms of a mental illness - not examples of me being a bad mom. 

Over the past six years since my self diagnosis, I have made it a priority to support parents and raise awareness surrounding perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This past year my nonprofit - Madison Area Parent Support - received 501(c)(3) status, and I was hired by Postpartum Support International as its Helpline Coordinator. 

This is my fourth year leading the Climb Out of the Darkness® event in Madison, WI. I look forward to this event every year! I hope you'll consider attending this year and will also think about making a donation. 25% of the money we raise will go to PSI, while the other 75% will stay with MAPS to help us continue the work we do for local parents (including our yearly Women's Retreat). 

Thank you all for your love and support!

*People who experience anhedonia have lost interest in activities they used to enjoy and have a decreased ability to feel pleasure. I recognized that I was suffering from this when I laughed at my two girls, and the sound of my laughter surprised me, because I hadn't heard it in so long.

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