Maternal Mental Health
When a woman has experienced a mental illness before pregnancy, she is more at risk of developing new mental health concerns or having her current mental health symptoms worsen during and after pregnancy.
It is important for health care professionals to know a woman’s mental health history.
Maternal mental health concerns during and after pregnancy are common. Approximately one in five (1 in 5) women experiences mental health concerns during or after pregnancy. These concerns can include depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy, obsessive compulsive disorder, and psychosis. The general public, parents to be, and parents with new children need to be aware of these concerns so that women can receive the support that they need.
The prenatal and postnatal periods are times of emotional and hormonal fluctuation. If a woman has several of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, it could mean that she needs support:
Postpartum depression is a serious form of depression that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It can also occur after miscarriage and stillbirth. Postpartum depression is different from the “baby blues,” which usually occurs within the first few days of giving birth.
“Baby blues” require no treatment and resolve within a few hours or days. Postpartum depression lasts longer and is associated with potentially adverse consequences for the mother, infant, and other family members.
In Canada, 23% of mothers report experiencing feelings consistent with postpartum depression or an anxiety disorder.
For more information about postpartum depression, including symptoms and diagnosis, please visit the websites of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and CAMH.
When a woman has experienced a mental illness before pregnancy, she is more at risk of developing new mental health concerns or having her current mental health symptoms worsen during and after pregnancy. It is important for healthcare professionals to know a woman’s mental health history. The following steps will help a woman remain healthy throughout her pregnancy and receive the support that she needs if concerns arise.
Every woman is at risk of mental health concerns during and after pregnancy. All women, during and after pregnancy, should be screened for mental health concerns using the Edinburgh Portpartum Depression Scale.
Mental health concerns during pregnancy can lead to negative impacts on a woman, her baby, and her family. These negative impacts can include long-term effects on the child’s health and development. Early intervention can mitigate these effects.
For an updated version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening form available through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, please visit www.ehealthsask.ca
Help is available for women who are experiencing mental health concerns during and after pregnancy. The earlier a woman gets support, the more effective treatment will be. Getting help for mental health concerns is an important step to recovery. There is nothing to be ashamed about if you need support.
Call 911 if you are having thoughts of harming yourself and/or others.
HealthLine 811
www.saskhealthauthority.ca/your-health/conditions-diseases-services/healthline-8-1-1
Call: 811
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
HealthLine 811 is a free, 24-hour confidential telephone service that provides support to anyone with a mental health concern. Women can call HealthLine 811 at any time during their pregnancy or after the birth of their baby to talk to a mental health professional or registered nurse, without a referral.
HealthLine 811 Maternal Wellness Outbound Call Program
Women who may be at risk for or are already experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety can access help from clinicians over the phone. This service includes support for people who have experienced pregnancy or child loss. Referral to the program is made through local public health nurses. If the Maternal Wellness Program is appropriate based on the results of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) the nurse completes with the client, the nurse will put in a referral with the client’s consent. Once enrolled in the program, a mental health professional will provide support by telephone.
Saskatoon* Crisis Intervention Service (SCIS)
www.saskatooncrisis.ca
Call: (306) 933-6200
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Crisis workers with professional skills intervene and manage social, emotional, and psychological emergencies for people experiencing acute and ongoing crisis. A crisis may involve suicidal feelings, thoughts or plans; child abuse and neglect (when the Ministry of Social Services – Child Protection is closed); overwhelming emotions; relapse of mental illness; issues with substance use; worries about safety; and more.
* Visit www.sk.211.ca/emergency-crisis-hotlines/ for more local crisis hotlines.
Family Service Saskatchewan’s Rapid Access Counselling Program
www.counsellingconnectsask.ca
Quick access to in-person or virtual mental health services for individuals, couples, and families, provided by licensed professional counsellors. Help is available for concerns such as anxiety, depression, addictions, suicidal ideation, stress, relationship conflict, separation and divorce, domestic violence, and parenting. Individuals who do not have access to occupational benefits, who live on a fixed or low income, and/or who would otherwise frequently have to wait a long time for publicly financed services are given priority.
Shift Intuit
www.shiftintuit.net
Call: (306) 992-5773
Provides services on various mental health concerns including, but not limited to, concerns during the prenatal period, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. Services are provided online or over the phone.
Online Therapy Unit, University of Regina tool
www.onlinetherapyuser.ca
Call: (306) 337-3331
Partnered with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to provide free, online cognitive behaviour therapy by trained therapists for individuals who have difficulties with depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and other health conditions.
Canada
Perinatal Wellness Collective
www.perinatalcollective.com
Call: (778) 557-5843
Online mental health counselling, group supports, and education across Canada, provided by a team of mental health professionals specialized in supporting moms, birthing people, and families as they adjust to and through parenthood.
Kids Help Phone
www.kidshelpphone.ca
Call: 1-800-668-6868, Text “CONNECT” to 686868, Live chat at www.kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free national support service that offers professional counselling, information and referrals, and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. Also provides support to teens and young adults dealing with maternal mental health concerns during and after pregnancy. Services can be accessed via phone, through live chat, through text, and by downloading the ‘Always There’ app from your phone’s app store to connect via live chat.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
www.hopeforwellness.ca
Call: 1-855-242-3310
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services are available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Culturally competent and experienced counselors are available via phone and internet chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are offered in both English and French. On request and as available, telephone support is also provided in Inuktitut, Cree, and Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) languages.
Worldwide
Postpartum Support International
www.postpartum.net/get-help
Call: 1-800-944-4773
Offers access to support, information, encouragement, and connection with local providers and support groups. Online support groups and chat sessions with an expert via phone are also available.
For a downloadable list of available supports in Saskatchewan and Canada, click here.