Guest post by Britney Mims Asbell
One in seven women are diagnosed with a Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) in their lifetime. If you know 7 women who have given birth, then you know someone who’s been impacted by this illness, which includes the most publicly recognized form of PMAD, Postpartum Depression (PPD).
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is an organization who is dedicated to helping families that are struggling with postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. They provide peer support, provide education, and help to connect families to informed providers.
Each year on or near the longest day of the year, PSI organizes an event called Climb Out of the Darkness to shine light on PMADs.
This year, Macon will be having their first ever Climb Out of the Darkness event, led by birth doulas Britney Asbell and Cristiana Fischer. The event is free to anyone interested in participating and will be held on June 23 at 10:00am. The climb will be at Ocmulgee National Monument and the event consists of giveaways, snacks, bottled water, activities for the kids, and a one-mile hike out to the Great Mound. Participants may sign up at Climb-out-2018.causevox.com/team/climbmacon.
The event also encourages fundraising to help support the Postpartum Support International organization. This Macon Climb will be sending 100% of the raised funds directly to the PSI Georgia Chapter. So far, Team Macon has raised $525 in donations from individuals and an additional $250 has been donated by Lauren Deal of the Deal Law Firm of Macon.
Chipotle in Warner Robins also sponsored a fundraiser for the PSI Georgia Chapter, donating a portion of the proceeds of meals ordered on May 19 to the event.
If you are interested in making a donation, they can be made by entering the following link: climb-out-2018.causevox.com/britneyasbelldoulaservices.
The organizers of this year’s Climb Out of the Darkness event in Macon hope to make this an annual event for the Middle Georgia area and continue to support the PSI organization. If you have any questions or are interested in support the event through sponsorship, you may contact Britney at 478-542-0749.