This Saturday, the public can take part in a free family friendly event in Southborough to help raise awareness for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders “the most common complication of childbearing”.
Join community members for crafts, rock painting, kids activities, bounce house, snacks and some walking around the outdoor track at Trottier Middle School.
Southborough mom Caitlin Betelak organized the event as Captain of the Boston Metrowest fundraising team for “The Climb”.
She explained that the fundraising initiative name “The Climb” doesn’t relate to rock climbing or hiking. It stems from the concept of climbing out of darkness:
The event served as a fundraiser for Postpartum Support International (PSI), a US-based nonprofit organization providing services to women and families experiencing perinatal mental health conditions. These conditions impact about 1 in 7 moms, and can occur during pregnancy or in the postpartum period (up to a year after delivery), and include a range of conditions: anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and psychosis. Dads can be affected by these conditions as well.
The goal is make sure that people know they are not alone, they are not to blame, and they with help and support they will be well again. Postpartum Support International provides many resources to help connect moms and families around the country and work with the support they need and this event is to shine more light on the support that is available.
The June 15th event is the “first annual” for the team. It will take place next to Trottier at 49 Parkerville Road from 10:00 am – noon. Registration will open at 9:30 am.
The flyer promotes:
Join us and meet other survivors, supporters, and providers of [Perinatal Mental Health Disorders] as we break the stigma and raise funds to help make local resources more accessible to parents who need them
During the event, Betelak anticipates that attendees will be encouraged to walk loosely about a mile around the track. If you have questions, you can email her at caitlinbetelak@gmail.com.
You can donate to the event, and learn more, click here.
