LAKEPORT, Calif. – May is Perinatal Depression Awareness Month in Lake County, and Mother-Wise is pleased to announce a premier screening of the film “Dark Side of the Full Moon” on Thursday, May 21.

The film will be shown beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Soper Reese Theater, 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport.

"Dark Side of the Full Moon" captures the experiences of women faced with postpartum depression, and reveals how this glaring problem is mostly unrecognized or dismissed in our culture.

Having a baby is supposed to be the happiest time of a woman’s life, but things don’t always go the way we plan.

One in five women has their world turned upside-down by perinatal mood disorders, like depression and anxiety.

Research indicates certain risk factors, like poverty and isolation, which contribute to higher rates of perinatal mood disorders.

With that in mind, it becomes easily apparent that Lake County's moms face higher overall risk.

Mother-Wise is a community service organization that helps moms find and maintain real support when they need it most. 

One of the simplest things they do is store donations of extra and used baby items for distribution to moms in need.

This service helps them meet more moms, and invite them to fun weekly groups where they can connect with other moms in the area, get tips for optimal bonding, and learn more about other local programs and services.

These groups include childcare for older siblings, so that mom and baby can have the best possible time together.

Finally, the organization's companion program provides a dependable, trained volunteer who becomes a mom’s dedicated supporter, including house calls by arrangement. 

Mother-Wise is funded by Lake County Behavioral Health-Proposition 63-The Mental Health Services Act and Lake County Children’s Council. 

Tickets to the May 21 screening are available at no charge by calling Mother-Wise, 707-349-1210.