Pregnancy and parenting are not always what you expect…

• Pregnancy is often seen as a time of joy and excitement, but this is not true for everyone.
• The birth or adoption of a baby can bring physical, emotional and social changes. Adjustment to new roles and relationships is not always easy.

Depression and Anxiety Disorders are common in pregnancy and postpartum.

• Up to 20% of women experience depression after having a baby.  Mood disorders, such as anxiety, are also common. Partners and children can struggle too.
• It can affect anyone in the family!

Woman and/or partner 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
• Seek constant reassurance from others or the internet
• Have no interest or pleasure in activities they used to enjoy
• Feel hopeless or worthless
• Feel restless, irritable or angry
• Feel guilty and ashamed
• Avoid spending time with family and friends
• Have thoughts of hurting themselves or others
• Have scary thoughts about the baby

If you believe your loved one is at risk of harming themselves, their baby or someone else, do NOT leave them alone. Take Action – Get Help!

How can you help?

Emotional Support

• Share your concern and ask how you can help.
• Be willing to listen and accept their feelings.
• Provide reassurance and be supportive.
• Offer encouragement about counselling and treatment.

Hands-on Support

• Provide meals, do laundry or housework.
• Help with grocery shopping or driving to appointments.
• Offer to help arrange childcare.
• Encourage time for rest or physical activities (i.e. go for a walk)

Informational Support

• Learn about perinatal depression and anxiety disorders.
• Learn about mental health community and crisis services.
• Locate helpful information (i.e. on-line resources, support groups).
• Offer or help find prenatal or postpartum education opportunities.

Community Support

• Encourage seeing a healthcare professional.
• Offer to attend medical appointments or support groups.
• Encourage joining a support group.

What’s Not Helpful

• Criticizing or judging.
• Statements like “Snap out of it” or “You should be happy”.
• Stopping by without calling first.
• Blaming yourself or others.

*Adapted from Best Start: Creating Circles of Support, January 2010