Perinatal Mental Health

If you are pregnant or have a baby, it is possible to feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or scared.

Depression can happen to anyone. Signs can appear any time during pregnancy and within the first year after the birth or adoption of a baby. Please see this resource for Depression during Pregnancy.

After birth, four out of five new moms experience ‘baby blues’ due to hormonal changes. This usually passes within a few days and up to two weeks after giving birth.

Take care of yourself: Rest when you can, stay nourished with easy meals and snacks, try talking a walk outside, and reach out to family or friends for support with housework, cooking, or running errands, etc.

You can use this Postpartum Mood Survey to help you asses your mood and learn about what you and your support people can do to help.

Sometimes the ‘blues’ don’t go away or get worse. One in five mothers experience postpartum mood disorders.

Symptoms may include:

Crying and sadness
Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
Feelings of anger or irritability
Constant worry, racing thoughts
Dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea

It is important to know that: You are not to blame. You are not alone.

Help is available, and you will get better. Medication and therapy can help.

Talk to your health care provider.
Call 811 or chat online with a Registered Nurse (Available 24 hours).
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.

***If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department right away***