275: Advocacy Through Climb Out of the Darkness and I AM ONE Podcast

We have a very special episode today, as we’re hearing from two guests about their important work through Postpartum Support International that is based on their lived experiences through perinatal mental health conditions. They are working tirelessly to help others access the resources they could have used, and they share how community support and other types of healing have helped them. We hope many people can find encouragement and support through their advocacy efforts and their openness in sharing their stories. Join us to hear from Emily and Dani!

Emily Jankowski Newton is a passionate perinatal mental health advocate and the Director of PSI’s Climb Out of the Darkness Program. This annual event is a community gathering for those who have experienced perinatal mental health conditions and their supporters. Through attending one of these events, Emily connected with other parents, found the help she needed, and saw the beginning of something incredible in her life. A combination of treatments, including talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes helped her recover from postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD. Emily works tirelessly today to raise awareness, build community, and connect folks worldwide to life-changing perinatal mental health resources. 

Dani Giddens is a Perinatal Mental Health-Certified (PMH-C) advocate, a trained Group Peer Support (GPS) Leader in her community, and Assistant Director of PSI’s Climb Out of the Darkness Program. Hearing one person’s story on a podcast changed the trajectory of her life and was the catalyst to help her find a therapist and open up about her postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD. Most importantly, she realized she was not alone. Dani is one PNMH advocate with a microphone–and she’s not afraid to use it through the I AM ONE podcast. 

Show Highlights:

Highlights from Emily’s story: the difficult birth of her first baby, hard recovery, sadness and anxiety, a second baby two years later, and the realization of her postpartum anxiety and rage

Highlights from Dani’s story: became a parent through frightening and unexpected events; felt rage, intrusive thoughts, and exhaustion; and was diagnosed years later with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD

Why we need to check in on new moms and ask about their emotional health

How Emily found healing through blogging, therapy, being honest about her feelings, and attending her first Climb event

How Dani found healing through a significant podcast moment when she realized that she, too, could share her experience to help others

How Emily explored Climb Out of the Darkness, which she describes as the nexus of a support group, playdate, and summer camp

How Dani became involved in the Climb to support a friend–and eventually became a co-leader

Why a Climb event is a great place to discover and connect with healing resources 

Details about Climb events and teams, which are now spreading internationally to Greece, Japan, and several African countries

How you can get involved in a Climb, either in person or virtually

Details about the I AM ONE podcast: how the idea was birthed and began in 2022, including the powerful intention behind the title

Resources:

To find out more, visit Climb Website (you can sign up through July 15 to lead a Climb in October or sign up to lead in June of next year), I AM ONE podcast, and PSI Website

Instagram links: @psiclimbout, @iamonepodcast, and @postpartumsupportinternational

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support! 

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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