Climb Out of the Darkness®, the world’s largest event raising awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders, will hold a regional Climb in Asheville on October 13. Women and men who are survivors of postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis from all over the world will walk, stroll or climb together at a local park or hiking trail to symbolize their collective rise out of the darkness as well as to raise funds for Postpartum Support International (PSI), a nonprofit organization and online community of support resources for women around the world. Our events are unique from other health walks, because our communities include 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 stakes are high, and we are all in it together. This is the sixth annual Climb Out of the Darkness®, and the first Climb held in WNC. The event is sponsored by local PSI branch Perinatal Emotional Health Network (PEHN) and Homegrown Babies Childbirth Education and Doula Services.
Everyone is invited to participate in their local Climb Out of the Darkness® to be held at Carrier Park in Asheville October 13 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join in the walk. Donations in support of the event can be made online at climb-out-2018.causevox.com/team/PEHN. Making a donation is a great way to show your support for someone you love that has suffered from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Sponsorships from local businesses are also being accepted. Please contact local Climb Leader, Amy Borskey Duffer, at 828-989-0979 or aborskey@rhanet.org for more information on sponsorships that will help support the Climb.
“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 goals 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/ or contact the local Climb Leader, Amy Borskey Duffer at 828-989-0979or aborskey@rhanet.org.