Parent Mental Health
Take care of your mental health before, during, and after pregnancy.
Being an expecting or new parent is a big change that brings both happiness and challenges, including lots of emotional ups and downs. Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD) refer to a wide range of mood changes, including anxiety and depression, that parents may experience during pregnancy or in the first year after the arrival of a new baby. Often people use terms like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or postpartum mood disorder instead.
Remember: you are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will get better.
Many people start having symptoms of mood disorders during pregnancy.
It's important to talk to your health care provider and support people about how you feel.
Baby blues are common.
Intense emotions that start after birth, and usually go away on their own within 2 weeks.
Four out of 5 new mothers report symptoms, including weepy periods and mood swings. If they don’t go away, and you feel some of the symptoms of PMD, talk to your health care provider.
Perinatal mood disorders
About 1 in 5 new mothers will develop a mood disorder in the first year after their baby is born. Symptoms differ for everyone, and might include:
- Crying and sadness
- Lack of interest in things you normally enjoy
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
- Feelings of anger or irritability
- Constant worry, racing thoughts
- Changes to sleep and appetite
- Physical symptoms like dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea
If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital right away.
How do I know I'm at risk for perinatal mood disorder?
Talk to your Health Care Provider about the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. It is recommended that the screen is completed at least once prenatally, and between 6 to 12 weeks postpartum.
Can my partner experience a perinatal mood disorder?
All parents welcoming a new baby can experience PMD and may be at risk. One in ten dads develop mood disorders, and it is even more common if their partner also has a mood disorder. Same-sex couples can develop mood disorders. All new parents should watch for symptoms.
Things you and your partner can do to take care of yourselves:
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Take time to relax and laugh.
- Spend time with loved ones and friends.
- Try to get enough sleep.
- Enjoy a variety of healthy foods.
- Make time to be active.
- Meet other parents for support. Visit an EarlyON centre in your area.
- Talk to your family doctor or health care provider.
- You deserve to feel better. Medication, therapy, support and healthy living can help.
What can you and your partner do?
- Remind yourself this is not your fault. It is normal and you are not alone.
- Talk to each other and your family about how you are feeling.
- Be ready to listen.
- Don't try to do everything. Ask for help.
- Ask for help if you have symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Resources:
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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale |
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Women's Reproductive Psychiatry Clinic (HDH) |
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Addiction and Mental Health Services-KFL&A (24-hour crisis line) |
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| Metis Nation of Ontario |
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In-home support |
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Peer support groups |
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| Telephone and online support |
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Websites |
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| Early ON |
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EarlyON offers free programs for parents and caregivers with children from birth to 6 years of age.
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| Kingston Community Health Centres |
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Kingston Military Family Resource Centre |
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Kingston Military Family Resource Centre
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KFL&A Public Health |
| Ottawa Public Health - Video |
| Toronto Public Health - Video |
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Adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health.