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.

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/.