Perinatal mental health

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy or after birth are common and treatable.

What it is

Perinatal mental health covers depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the year after birth. It's far more common than the silence around it suggests, and it's distinct from the brief “baby blues” many new parents experience in the first couple of weeks.

Common signs

Persistent sadness, anxiety, or numbness that doesn't lift
Intrusive, frightening thoughts about the baby's safety
Feeling disconnected from the baby or from yourself
Overwhelming guilt about not feeling the way you “should”
Anxiety that interferes with sleep, even when the baby is sleeping

Good to know

Perinatal depression and anxiety are not a reflection of how much someone loves their baby or wants to be a parent — they're driven by major hormonal, physical, and life changes, and they respond well to treatment.

What helps

Treatment is similar to depression and anxiety at any other time — therapy, sometimes medication (many options are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which is worth discussing directly with a provider rather than assuming otherwise), and practical support with the realities of early parenting.

When to seek help

Don't wait for it to pass on its own. Talk to a care provider, or call Postpartum Support International, especially if there are any frightening thoughts involved.

Before you call

What to expect when you call or text 988988 is Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline. Here's what happens when you call or text — it's free, 24/7, and you don't have to be 'in crisis enough' to call.What to expect at the ER for a mental-health crisisIf you can't keep yourself safe, the emergency room is for you too. Here's what happens when you arrive — and what won't.

Services that can help

See all related services in NL