About 4 out of 5 mothers will experience the baby blues
This is normal and can start in the first week after the baby is born. With good physical care and emotional support, you will usually feel better within two weeks. Talk with your partner, healthcare professional or someone you trust about your feelings.
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Disorders are common
Up to 20% of women experience postpartum depression after having a baby. Mood disorders, such as anxiety, are also very common. You are not alone. Partners and children can struggle too. It can affect anyone in the family!
People experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders may...
- Feel sad or numb
- Be tearful or cry a lot
- Feel exhausted, but not able to sleep
- Have changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Feel overwhelmed and can’t concentrate
- Feel anxious or can’t stop worrying
- Seek constant reassurance from others or the internet
- Have no interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Feel hopeless or worthless
- Feel restless, irritable or angry
- Feel guilty and ashamed
- Avoid spending time with family and friends
If your symptoms continue or get worse, speak to your healthcare professional.
If you have thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, please contact or visit CMHA Crisis Support or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
What you can do...
- Rest when baby sleeps
- Get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep
- Eat healthy food several times a day
- Go for a walk 3-4 times a week or more
- Accept help from family and friends
- Let someone you trust take care of the baby once in a while
- Take time for yourself
- Limit the time you spend with people who make you feel anxious or sad
- Talk about your feelings with your partner or someone you trust
- Reach out to your healthcare professional to talk about what help and treatment options are available
- Take action and get help by exploring mental health resources available
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Last modified on: January 7, 2025
Mental Health Supports
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Support Line (24/7 Therapeutic Listening)
1-844-360-8055
Middlesex-London Health Unit
Speak with a Public Health Nurse, 519-663-5317, press 5
Talk 4 Healing Help Line (24/7 for Aboriginal Women)
Call or Live Chat, 1-855-554-HEAL (4325), or Webchat
Family Service Thames Valley Counselling Services
519-433-0183, ext. 605 (intake)
The Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRCSSI)
519-672-6000
Online support group (Women's College Hospital, Toronto)
Mother Reach Support Group
(in-person, London)
For information and registration, email: motherreachlondon@gmail.com
Parent and Infant Relationship Clinic (PAIR Clinic)
Support and consultation about your baby's emotional development from Vanier Children's Mental Wellness
519-433-3101
Crisis Supports
Reach Out (24/7 Crisis Service)
Call: 1-866-933-2023
Text:519-433-2023
Webchat
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7 Crisis & Counselling Service)
1-855-242-3310
CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental health Crisis Centre (24/7 walk-in service)
648 Huron St. London
Tandem (Vanier Intake Service)
24/7 Crisis Support Services for children from birth-18 yrs of age and their parents/guardians
519-433-0334
Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7)
Call or Text 9-8-8