Climbing Out of the Darkness

Celebrating strength while bringing awareness to Perinatal Mental Health Disorders

Survivors and supporters gather around the Sunglow Counseling team to raise awareness and financial support for women and families who have experienced Postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Through the Postpartum Support International (PSI) organization, many women and families have found supportive treatment and services. Owner and Founder of Sunglow Counseling Jessica Sweeney has been a supporter of this organization and cause, working directly with women and families experiencing perinatal mood disorders (PMADS) through her practice. For this Climb Out of the Darkness Virtual Run, our team including therapists Jeni Mose and Tabitha Giaquinto rally around this Women's Mental Health Cause to show support and bring awareness to this Women's Health epidemic.

Change Begins with Awareness and Access

The most common complication of childbirth are perinatal mood disorders. In fact, 1 in 5 women will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder in their lifetime (Harvard.edu) Why do so many women experience these disorders without accessing help? Part of the problem is the stigma surrounding women and mental health, and a lack of awareness about common symptoms and treatment options. Jessica Sweeney and the Sunglow Counseling team have made it their mission to provide helpful resources for women such as brochures, links, and support groups.

What causes PMADS? The reality of pregnancy is that it is not always a joyful or easy transition into motherhood, and it can be a period filled with stress and doubt. Certain hormonal changes, traumatic experiences, and other factors can lead to the development of a mental health disorder during and after pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, your hormone levels fluctuate and change. These dramatic hormone levels increase and drops can lead to long-lasting mood and anxiety disorders.

Other Factors that Cause PMADS:

• Lack of emotional and physical support

• Living in an unsafe environment

• History of Trauma

• A difficult pregnancy or childbirth

• Infertility / Infertility Treatment

• Domestic Violence (Sexual, Emotional, Physical)

• Financial Stress

• Previous history of mental health disorders

"We believe in creating purposeful relationships with our clients - enabling them to create long-lasting, meaningful, change."

The Sunglow Counseling team practices what they preach to clients - by showing up and offering support by hosting a team for the Climb Out of the Darkness Virtual Race. As professional mental health counselors and social workers, the Sunglow therapists witness the struggles and breakthroughs that women experience on their mental health journey on a daily basis. It is not just their job to offer support and resources, but a passion that translates into their personal lives.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of PMADS, it is important to note that you are not a bad person or parent for having these thoughts or feelings, and you are not alone.

Seeking professional mental health support should always be your first step toward treatment for PMADS. Our team at Sunglow Counseling will help you by providing support, resources, and tools that you can use to overcome these anxiety and mood disorders.

☀️ #runoutofdarknesstreasurecoast