This past Saturday, I participated in a Climb Out of the Darkness (COTD) event. While there are COTD walks all across the U.S. and internationally, this was the first COTD walk held in Pierce County.
“The Climb Out of the Darkness is an international event. We raise our voices to fight perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, PTSD and postpartum psychosis. We raise money. We raise awareness. We're helping new moms and dads live better lives. This should be the happiest time in their lives, and they deserve to feel better” - Postpartum Support International.
Watch the video below to learn more about COTD.
I was told that COTD walks are held on or near the longest day of the year symbolically representing coming out of the darkness. At this walk, approximately 30 people attended - moms, dad, kids, survivors, family members, providers, and a non-profit organization. We met at Sehmel Park in Gig Harbor, listened to a mother share her journey about recovering from a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder and walked in support of continued awareness.
We walked the trails of Sehmel Park with families sharing stories about their personal experiences of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and their recovery.
For the mom that shared her story, Postpartum Support International’s warm line was an essential piece to her treatment and recovery. If you need support specific to postpartum experiences, call the toll-free warm line to be connected with a professional that can connect with you postpartum specific resources in your area.
Perinatal Support Washington’s warm line number is 1-888-404-7763
Teethers from rays & rainbows Etsy shop
In addition to attending the walk, I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely and strong woman behind the newly formed Baby Steps Foundation, Rays and Rainbows Etsy Shop, and @raysandrainbows Instagram account. Baby Steps Foundation “was created by moms affected or touched by loss. our mission is to offer support to women and families while honoring their babies, as well as give back to the stillbirth and loss community. for those left behind, we hope to offer support, a safe space for grieving, and make a difference along the way.” In their Rays and Rainbows Etsy store, the founders create teethers, pacifier clips, bibs, and hats with 100% of donations going towards Baby Steps Foundation. I purchased a teeter and a pacifier clip for a friend and they are legit! So cute and handmade! Be sure to check them out and support their upcoming 5K on October 13th.
I am hoping to make attending a Climb Out of the Darkness event next year.
Check out PSI’s Climb Out of the Darkness page, to find a walk in your area!
“Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could be a page in someone else’s survival guide.”
We also saw an owl!
