Southfield (WWJ) -- The Tree of Hope Foundation is holding its annual 5K Run, Walk & Stroll on Saturday, June 21, at Metro Beach Metropark to raise awareness of Postpartum Depression, or PPD.
The Tree of Hope was established in July 2005 "to raise awareness and provide support and education for families struggling with the condition," said Pam Moffitt, president of the organization.
The Foundation also provides information for medical professionals who may have patients dealing with the disorder.
PPD is a condition that affects one in every ten women after childbirth, but most women become symptomatic during pregnancy.
It is "actually the number one complication of childbirth," Moffitt said.
PPD combines various symptom of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar, and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Symptoms include -- but are not limited to -- debilitating depression, lack of interest in the baby or self, feelings of inadequacy as a wife or mother, visual or auditory hallucinations.
"Our organization was instituted after a personal loss," said Moffitt. "My sister-in-law took her own life and that of her five-week-old daughter in July of 2004.
"Having been through such a terrible event, you know you have to go forward and try to prevent that kind of tragedy from happening to any other families."
Click here for a walk registration form and more information about The Tree of Hope Foundation.
Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m.
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