Postpartum Support Charleston Organizes Annual Climb Out of the Darkness Event on September 25, 2022

Worldwide event hosted by Postpartum Support International raises
awareness for maternal mental illness   

CHARLESTON, S.C. – This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Climb Out of the Darkness program, the world’s largest event raising awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders. Postpartum Support International has partnered with local nonprofit Postpartum Support Charleston to host a Climb Out of the Darkness event on Sept. 25 at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. 

Survivors of postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis will walk through the park 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. More than 70% of the money raised will be given to Postpartum Support Charleston for its work in the Charleston community.

This event is unique in that it includes the people who have suffered from a mental health complication and the doctors, therapists, hospital administrators, researchers and other professionals walking arm in arm.  

The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Riverfront Park pavilion. Visit with maternal health and wellness vendors, representatives from Postpartum Support Charleston and enjoy light refreshments. Hear from survivors and walk together in support of each other. 

Postpartum Support Charleston provides resources, support groups and peer support for Charleston area moms struggling with maternal mental illness, including postpartum depression, anxiety and OCD.

This event is free, but registration is required. Participants should sign up for their own CauseVox account where they can share their story and request donations from friends and family. Register online at https://climbout2022.causevox.com/team/climb-charl. Any participant who independently raises $40 or more will receive a free ticket to the 2023 Moms’ Run, an annual 5K run/walk that raises money for Postpartum Support Charleston. 

“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 healthcare providers. To learn more about Climb Out of the Darkness®, visit http://www.postpartum.net/join-us/climbout/.

About Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International (PSI), founded in 1987, is the leading organization dedicated to helping women and families suffering from perinatal depression and anxiety disorders. PSI provides direct peer support to families, trains professionals in perinatal mental health assessment and treatment, and provides a bridge to connect families with those specialists. PSI has professional and lay members in every U.S. state and 49 other countries. For more information, visit www.postpartum.net. 

About Postpartum Support Charleston 

Founded in 2000, Postpartum Support Charleston is a nonprofit organization that supports mothers across the Charleston tri-county area struggling with maternal mental illness such as postpartum depression and anxiety. Through our extensive moms-for-moms network, connection to diverse mental and physical health expertise and genuine empathy, Postpartum Support Charleston is uniquely positioned to help mothers move into motherhood. For more information, visit www.ppdsupport.org or follow on social media @pddsuportchs