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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!
About Emily Jandowski Newton
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.
About Dani Giddens, PMH-C
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
How Dani’s 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).
PSI Website- postpartum.net
Instagram links:
@psiclimbout
@iamonepodcast
@postpartumsupportinternational
Step Into Motherhood Feeling Fully Supported- Online Course for New Moms
Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!
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!
Advocacy Through Climb Out of the Darkness and the I AM ONE Podcast
In today’s episode of “Mom and Mind,” hosted by Dr. Kat, we delve into the impactful world of perinatal mental health advocacy with guests Emily Jandowski Newton and Dani Giddens. Both Emily and Dani are champions in their field, turning their personal struggles with perinatal mental health conditions into a beacon of hope and support for others facing similar challenges.
Emily Jandowski Newton: A Journey of Healing and Connection Emily Jandowski Newton serves as the Director of Postpartum Support International’s (PSI) Climb Out of the Darkness Program, an annual event designed to support individuals grappling with perinatal mental health conditions. Emily’s journey into advocacy began after she attended a Climb event that profoundly changed her life. Struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD, she found solace and support among fellow parents which catalyzed her recovery. Through a combination of talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, Emily began to heal and eventually took on a leadership role to help expand the program’s reach.
Dani Giddens: Turning Personal Pain into Empowering Podcasts Dani Giddens is another stalwart in the field of perinatal mental health, certified as a Perinatal Mental Health-Certified (PMH-C) advocate. Dani’s pivotal moment came when she heard a podcast episode that resonated with her own experiences of postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD. This experience not only prompted her to seek help but also to become an advocate herself. Today, Dani is the Assistant Director of the Climb Out of the Darkness Program and a host of the “I AM ONE” podcast, where she uses her platform to share stories and support others.
The Importance of Community and Early Intervention
During the podcast, Emily and Dani emphasize the critical need for early intervention and community support for new mothers. They discuss how these supports can significantly alter the trajectory of a mother’s postpartum experience. Emily shares how blogging and being transparent about her feelings were instrumental in her healing process. Similarly, Dani highlights the importance of storytelling and shared experiences in fostering a supportive community.
Climb Out of the Darkness: More Than Just an Event
Climb Out of the Darkness is described by Emily as a blend of a support group, playdate, and summer camp. It’s a place where healing and joyful connection take place, providing a lifeline for many. Dani shares her experience of initially attending the Climb to support a friend and eventually becoming a co-leader, illustrating the profound impact these events have on individuals and communities alike.
Global Reach and Accessibility
The scope of Climb Out of the Darkness has expanded internationally, with events now being held in countries such as Greece, Japan, and several African nations. This global spread underscores the universal need for perinatal mental health support and the program’s adaptability to different cultural contexts.
Participating in Climb Events
Listeners are encouraged to participate in Climb events, whether in person or virtually. These gatherings are pivotal in connecting attendees with essential healing resources and fostering a sense of global community among those affected by perinatal mental health issues.
The I AM ONE Podcast: A Voice for Many
The “I AM ONE” podcast, spearheaded by Dani, began in 2022 and has quickly become a vital platform for advocacy and support. The podcast’s name signifies the shared experiences of many, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggles. Each episode aims to empower, educate, and connect listeners, expanding the dialogue around perinatal mental health and the power of personal stories in healing and advocacy.
The podcast episode closes with a call to action for listeners to engage with PSI’s initiatives, either by participating in a Climb event or by tuning into the “I AM ONE” podcast. By doing so, they can be part of a larger movement aimed at transforming the landscape of perinatal mental health for the better.
In conclusion, the efforts of Emily Jandowski Newton and Dani Giddens through PSI’s Climb Out of the Darkness and the “I AM ONE” podcast highlight the transformative power of community and advocacy in the realm of perinatal mental health. Their stories are not just narratives of personal triumph but are also beacons of hope, urging us to support each other in times of need.
