What if I were to tell you there is a medical complication that affects 1 in 5 parents postpartum? That it affects fathers, too? And the biggest risk factor, is if you have already experienced it! The complication I'm referring to is perinatal mood disorders, more commonly known as depression and anxiety that can occur… Continue reading Maternal mental health matters!
Category: Emotional Health
Mental health support during pregnancy and after birth
As a Public Health Nurse, and mother myself, I will be the first to admit having a new baby arrive in the family can come with mixed emotions. With all the love and excitement babies bring, new parents can also feel stressed, anxious, exhausted, and sad. It's often hard to know if your feelings are… Continue reading Mental health support during pregnancy and after birth
Does having a postpartum mood disorder affect my child?
Ever wonder if babies and older children know their parent is feeling depressed or anxious? Having a postpartum mood disorder affects not only one parent, but the whole family. Children are able to notice when a parent is acting differently by picking up on changes in routine and everyday behavior. These changes could be: looking… Continue reading Does having a postpartum mood disorder affect my child?
Feeling stressed during the holidays?
Year after year I notice that as soon as Halloween is over, it's all about the upcoming holiday season. The days get shorter, the sights and sounds of the holiday fill the air. The holidays are considered a time for celebrating and spending time with family and friends. This time of year can also be… Continue reading Feeling stressed during the holidays?
Feeling sad or stressed? Find out where to get support in Toronto
This may be your first pregnancy, or your fourth baby – depression and anxiety can happened to anyone. Many new parents who are struggling don't get the help they need…some because they are ashamed and feel they should be enjoying their pregnancy or new baby, and some because they just don’t know where to start… Continue reading Feeling sad or stressed? Find out where to get support in Toronto
Fertility treatment and your mental health
If you or someone you know is being supported at a fertility clinic or considering it due to challenges conceiving, it’s important to be aware of the impact it can have on your mood and well-being. Why? Going through fertility treatments can really change your life - daily appointments that may conflict with your usual… Continue reading Fertility treatment and your mental health
Social media got you feeling down?
A few days ago, I was talking to a mom who recently had her second baby. She was having a tough week; her daughter caught a cold at preschool, relatives had dropped by unannounced, and the house (as she put it) was a "disaster". Frustrated, she expressed to me, "How do other parents do it… Continue reading Social media got you feeling down?
Depression and anxiety in fathers
Becoming a father is a big life change, there are many things to learn and adjust to in your new role. Along with all the excitement and joy of having a baby, fatherhood may also bring sleepless nights, lack of routine, and unexpected stress between you and your partner. When everyone's focus is on baby… Continue reading Depression and anxiety in fathers
Recognize and support maternal mental health
Every year during the first week of May we recognize Mental Health Week in Canada. This week is meant to help the public learn, share, and promote the important issue of mental health. May 2 is World Maternal Mental Health Day On this day, organizations from around the world are making efforts to recognize and promote… Continue reading Recognize and support maternal mental health
Mental health matters when planning a pregnancy
Has planning a pregnancy got you worried and tense? Maybe you've been feeling sad, scared or not in control of your life? Stress from trying to conceive a baby can sometimes affect your mental health and well-being. It's a good idea to talk about your feelings with someone you trust. When should I get help?… Continue reading Mental health matters when planning a pregnancy
