I am on the Cleveland team for the 2019 Climb Out of Darkness event.   It is walk to raise awareness of maternal and paternal mental health issues and Perianatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, postpartum psychosis, and prenatal depression or anxiety.   I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety since my third and even the anxiety since my second was born.   The journey was tough on our whole family but after so much support from POEM (Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms), therapy, medication, and selfcare I have recovered and learned so much and grew in faith through the journey.   Every moms journey and recovery is unique, but I want to raise awareness so that moms can get the support they need!   I want other moms who struggle to be able to have hope, and recover like I did.   I encourage all moms (pregnant & postpartum) I meet and talk to, to reach out for support.  You are not alone!

 Funds benefit Postpartum Support International, a nonprofit organization that provides education, awareness, online and telephone support, and linkaged to local resources for families. Postpartum Support International also directs funds back to our state chapter of their organization provides a direct benefit back to local families.  

The walk will include refreshments, stories from survivors, and kid friendly activities.  Please consider joining us as a participant, sponsor, or donor to spread awareness and hope in quest to make sure every mom in the Cleveland area feels supported and not alone.

Our Cleveland Team Page can be accessed here: https://postpartum.z2systems.com/np/clients/postpartum/campaignTeam.jsp?campaignId=1&teamId=16

Thank you so much for reading this and the ways in which you have support me and my family through my journey and/or other moms through their journeys!   It is a real blessing.  

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