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
Tag: depression
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
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
Motherhood and scary thoughts: How are these connected?
"I'm just going to check on the baby one more time, I want to make sure he's still breathing." "Wait! Let me hold her, you may drop her if you don’t hold her tight enough." "What if the bathwater is too hot and I burn my baby?" Have you had thoughts like this about… Continue reading Motherhood and scary thoughts: How are these connected?
New to Canada? Just had a baby and feeling lost and alone?
Maria moved to Toronto six months ago. She is a new mother of a two month old baby girl. She and her husband are feeling the stress of a new country, a new baby, and no family to help. Maria speaks little English and isn’t sure where or how to get help from her new… Continue reading New to Canada? Just had a baby and feeling lost and alone?
Managing stress, anxiety, and depression over the holiday season
As I walked through Costco this past August, I couldn't help but notice this season's holiday gear making its way onto the shelves. Everything from gifts to decorations, cards, and wrapping paper – 'seriously' I asked myself? How can we be thinking of the holidays when we're still supposed to be soaking up the summer… Continue reading Managing stress, anxiety, and depression over the holiday season
Feeling depressed? Physical activity may help
I'm sure the last thing most new, sleep deprived parents are thinking about is squeezing exercise into an already busy schedule! However, what if I told you that it can be done as part of your regular daily routine? We all know it's important to be active but did you know that physical activity: releases… Continue reading Feeling depressed? Physical activity may help
Is it true new fathers can experience postpartum depression?
Paternal postpartum depression is a very real condition that can happen any time after the birth or adoption of a baby. Many people don't realize that one in ten dads develop depression. It may start during your partner's pregnancy, go away after the baby's birth, and come back 3-6 months later. In fact research shows… Continue reading Is it true new fathers can experience postpartum depression?
Depression during pregnancy – it’s real…get help!
Susan struggled with her mood during pregnancy. When she first felt herself slipping during the fourth month, she reached for her 'bag of feel good tricks'. She posted cheerful photos on Facebook, went for walks outside, cooked dinner, and drank kale smoothies. None of it helped. Although Susan's husband adored her and was a terrific… Continue reading Depression during pregnancy – it’s real…get help!