PSI Focuses on Raising Awareness of Maternal Mental Health
Events Include Maternal Mental Health Day, PSI 32nd Annual Conference and Climb out of the Darkness
PORTLAND, OR. — Postpartum Support International (PSI), the leading organization dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood disorders, is raising awareness of maternal mental health (MMH) by focusing on global awareness, education, and local fundraising. PSI will kick-off the MMH awareness campaign on May 1st with World Maternal Mental Health Day, joining partners from around the globe on social media. In June, PSI will hold their 32nd Annual Conference in Portland OR from June 26 – 30th, 2019. The conference will focus on education and awareness of Perinatal Mood Disorders. Running consecutively with these two events from May through August is the world’s largest event fundraising for mental health of new families, Climb Out Of The Darkness (COTD).
“We hope that by bringing awareness to maternal mental health, families will know they are not alone, there is help available, and there is hope in recovery. We want to use our voices and join our global partners to reach as many moms, partners and families as we can so no one has to go through this alone. PSI and its support coordinators are available every day to provide parents with the support they need,” said Wendy N Davis, PSI Executive Director.
Join the conversation by joining PSI on Facebook @PostpartumSupportInternational, and Twitter and Instagram @PostpartumHelp
World Maternal Mental Health Day – May 1st
PSI recognizes Maternal Mental Health Day on the first Wednesday of May each year. PSI is a proud member of a taskforce of organizations from around the world banding together to raise awareness about Maternal Mental Health. Starting in 2016, this group has declared the first Wednesday of May to be Maternal Mental Health Day. PSI will continue their social media campaign focusing on Maternal Mental Health throughout the month of May, asking followers to share personal stories and experiences hoping to reduce stigma and empower people to seek help. Visit the World Maternal Mental Health Day website at: wmmhday.postpartum.net.
Postpartum Support International 32nd Annual Conference
PSI is hosting its 32nd Annual Conference in Portland, OR June 26-30, 2019. The event will take place at the Hilton Portland Downtown, and will include 3 exciting keynote speakers, over 2 days of expert breakouts, and Friday night banquet open to all. The annual PSI conference provides an opportunity to meet, learn together, and share ideas with others involved in the field of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMDs). https://postpartum.net/professionals/conference-2019/
Climb Out Of The Darkness—May to August
Every year PSI hosts The Climb Out Of The Darkness (COTD), a movement that invites people from all over the world to host local walks to spread awareness for mental health of new families. This fundraising event runs May through August, and is hosted by individuals and groups in communities all over the world. Each Climb is different and is planned by a local Climb leader and open to anyone. The Climb focuses on effecting change at a local level, with proceeds being sent back into local programs and PSI state chapters. Last year COTD gave over $50,000 to local programs and nearly $90,000 to PSI state chapters. To find a climb in your community go to https://postpartum.net/join-us/climbout/
For more information:
Jessica Peterson
360-608-7935
communications@postpartum.net
About Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman in Santa Barbara, California. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Approximately 15 percent of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Up to 10 percent will experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it affects the entire family. PSI headquarters is located in Portland Oregon and has members all over the world, including volunteer coordinators in every one of the United States and in more than 36 other countries. PSI disseminates information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference. Its goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health. PSI HelpLine Call 1-800-944-4773 or Text 503-894-9453
