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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