Climb Out of the Darkness

Who: Mothers and others who want to raise awareness and, optionally, funds to help those struggling with maternal mental illness.
Takes place in the park BEHIND Simpkins Swim Center.

What: Postpartum Progress’ Climb Out of the Darkness® is the world’s largest event raising awareness of maternal mental illnesses like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety & OCD, postpartum PTSD, postpartum psychosis, bipolar/peripartum onset, and pregnancy depression and anxiety. Climb Out of the Darkness is held on or near the longest day of the year annually to help shine the most light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The event features mothers and others across the globe joining together to climb mountains and hike trails to represent their symbolic rise out of the darkness of maternal mental illness and into the light of hope and recovery.

When: Saturday, June 18th at 9:30AM

Where: Twin Lakes State Park (behind Simpkins Family Swim Center) in Santa Cruz. We will meet at the trailhead just off the Simpkins parking lot and start with an easy, toddler-paced hike through Twin Lakes, which will probably take about a hour or so. Then, we will go into Simpkins for swimming and a picnic at around 11.

Why: 15-20% of all women will get a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder like postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. That’s 1 in every 7. While they are common, they aren’t normal; they are illnesses. Fortunately, they are temporary and treatable with professional help. Unfortunately, many women suffer without getting the care they need for far too long due to a lack of awareness both in their communities and in larger society.

How: There is no fee or fundraising requirement to join our climb! It is 100% free. To join Team California- Santa Cruz on climb day, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/sarahmichals-COTD2016/fundraiser/sarahmichals and click on the "Register" button on the top right of that screen. All participants over the age of 18 must register individually via this page. Note that this is NOT a women-only event! It is for everyone who wants to participate, including partners, children, friends, and anyone else.

If you can't join our hike, but you still want to help, click "Donate," also on the top right of the screen, or find a climb in your area at http://postpartumprogress.org/climb-out-of-the-darkness/find-a-climb/

For regular updates on our climb, check out our team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/climboutsantacruz or email [email protected]