Google Translate Disclaimer

Translation on this website is provided by Google Translate, a third-party automated translator tool. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of translations performed by Google Translate, or for any issues or damages resulting from its use.

Parents and Parents to Be Banner
print header

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

It is important to take care of your mental health when you are pregnant and as a parent. While you adjust to pregnancy and parenting you can experience changes in mood and coping. Your mood can impact your pregnancy, your health, and the health of your baby. Learn as much as you can about mental health during pregnancy, the postpartum period and parenting. 

Get enough rest

  • Have a bedtime routine that helps your mind and body wind-down
  • Have a calm sleep environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable, cool and free from electronics.

Eat healthy and do some physical activity

  • Follow Canada’s Food Guide
  • Find simple and healthy meals to enjoy
  • Accept help for grocery shopping and making meals
  • Be physically active and remember to li>sten to your body’s li>mits and needs

Make time for yourself

  • Say yes to help from family and friends
  • Do things that you enjoy and help you to feel relaxed
  • Take deep breaths and relax your muscles for a few minutes each day

Any pregnant person or new parent can experience symptoms of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Some parents may not notice changes in their mood or coping abilities. However, most birthing parents experience the baby blues shortly after baby is born.

Baby blues refer to mood changes experienced by the birthing parent in the days after a birth. Four in five women may experience symptoms such mood changes, crying for no apparent reason, feeling irritable, sensitive, or a bit anxious but still enjoy caring for their baby.

If you get the blues, talk about your feelings with family and close friends. Take care of yourself with rest, light physical activity, and nutritious food. If the symptoms have lasted longer than two weeks, talk with your health care provider. You may be experiencing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) range in severity and include perinatal depression, anxiety, and psychosis. They can begin in pregnancy or up to one year after the birth or the adoption of a baby.

PMADs can happen to either parent. 1 in 5 Canadian women experience PMADs and 1 in 10 Canadian men experience PMADs.

These conditions are not your fault, you are not alone, and there is help. The treatment for PMADs may include a combination of self-care, getting support from family and friends, medications, and therapy.

Ask yourself about your mood and coping since becoming pregnant or becoming a parent:

Do I often feel/think…

  • Just not myself?
  • Unable to comfort my baby?
  • Negative about becoming a parent/parenting?
  • Very tired?
  • Sad or tearful?
  • Worried, anxious, or scared?
  • Overwhelmed or panicky? 
  • Unable to focus my mind or relax my body?
  • Irritable, angry, or frustrated? 
  • Guilty?
  • Alone?
  • Scary or unwanted thoughts or images about my baby (such as imagining them getting hurt)?
  • Thoughts about hurting myself and/or my baby? 

Do I have trouble…

  • Sleeping?
  • Eating regular meals
  • Focusing my attention or concentrating?
  • Breastfeeding?
  • Enjoying myself or feeling content?
  • Taking care of my everyday tasks?
  • Taking care of myself?

If you have these feelings or concerns, you may be experiencing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.

  • If you have symptoms that have lasted longer than two weeks, talk with a health care provider about your concerns. They will help you find supports and create a wellness plan.
  • If you are having thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, get help right away. Call the Mental Health Crisis line at 1-888-893-8333 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

    •
    • Understand that these disorders are real and are not their fault.
    • Be patient. It may take several months but with help they will get better.
    • Be gentle and listen; do not judge or dismiss their feelings or experiences.
    • Tell your partner you love them, often.
    • Take-on more baby and household responsibilities.
    • Ensure they have time for rest and other self-care.
    • Help them attend appointments and support groups.
    • Notice and encourage your partner’s improved mood and coping. 
    • Watch for signs of emergency; if you are worried that your partner could harm the baby or themselves, get help immediately. Call the Mental Health Crisis line at 1-888-893-8333 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
    • Understand that these disorders are real and are not their fault.
    • Be patient; it may take several months but with help they will get better.
    • Be gentle and listen; do not judge or dismiss their feelings or experiences.
    • Let them know you care with a call or a text. 
    • Offer practical help such as cooking a meal, doing the laundry, providing childcare for the new baby and/or older child 
    • Notice and encourage their improved mood and coping.
    • Watch for signs of emergency; if you are worried that your family member or friend could harm the baby or themselves, assist them to get help immediately. Call the Mental Health Crisis line at 1-888-893-8333 or help them go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

    Review:
    Pregnancy and Life with a New Baby (Best Start) (PDF 589 KB)

    Visit:
    Postpartum Support International

    Fathers' Mental Health Network

    Help and Support:

    Perinatal Mental Health - Help and Support

    Did you find what you were looking for today?
    What did you like about this page?
    How can we improve this page?
    Page
    Feedback

    If you have any questions or concerns that require a response, please contact Health Connection directly.

    Thanks for your feedback.
    Failed to submit comment. Please try submitting again or contact us at the Health Unit.
    Comment already submitted ...