Taking care of your mental health is essential for the overall wellness of your child and family. Good mental health allows you to:
- Strengthen the bond with your baby
- Feel more confident in your parenting abilities
- Provide the necessary care and support for your child to thrive
Prioritizing self-care, reaching out for help, and accessing resources are important steps in maintaining good mental health during this critical time. Explore the resources below to support your perinatal mental health. For more information about services in your community, contact your local health unit.
Families with perinatal mental health issues may also use substances. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out: Get help with substance use.
Need help right away?
If you're in a crisis or emergency, or are worried that you or a loved one is at risk of harm, get help now:
- Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room
- Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) if you or someone you know if having thoughts of suicide
- Call 310 Mental Health Support: 310-6789 (no area code needed) to speak to a crisis line worker 24/7
Good self-care supports your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. NEST-S is an acronym that can help to remind you. It stands for:
- Nutrition: Eat foods that you enjoy, in amounts that are satisfying to you. Feed yourself regularly to get enough energy and nutrition.
- Exercise: Move your body in ways and amounts that feel good to you. Exercise can help you to feel happier, more energized, less stressed, and sleep better.
- Sleep: Rest when you can. Even if you aren't getting the sleep you need right now, rest can help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
- Time for self: Spend time doing things you like to do. Even a few minutes a day can help recharge mood, energy levels, and add balance to life.
- Support: Ask for help. All new parents need support from others - it really does take a village.
Many parents struggle with their mental health during the perinatal period. This can be during pregnancy, after the birth of the baby, and up to one year postpartum.
Reaching out for help is important and can improve the overall well-being of your family. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or have concerns about your mental health, you’re not alone. Help is available.
Explore the resources below and on this page as you feel ready:
- Pacific post partum support society for peer support. Call toll-free: 1-855-255-7999 or text: 604-255-7999
- Perinatal anxiety disorders - Pacific Post Partum Support Society
- Perinatal mood disorders - Pacific Post Partum Support Society
- Postpartum psychosis - Pacific Post Partum Support Society
- Reproductive mental health services - BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre
Featured resources
- Celebrating the circle of life: Coming back to balance and harmony – A guide to emotional health in pregnancy and early motherhood for Aboriginal women and their families - BC Reproductive Mental Health Program
- Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders 101 - Pacific Post Partum Support Society
- Podcast: Beyond postpartum - Pacific Post Partum Support Society
- World maternal mental health day (first Wednesday in May) - Postpartum
- Your guide to postpartum health and caring for your baby - Government of Canada
Featured NH Stories
- A new baby can bring joy – and anxiety, depression, and sadness
- Feeding the postpartum family: Healthy eating is part of self-care
- Helping tired parents: Ways you can support their self-care after baby arrives
- Redefining self-care: More than bubble baths!
- Self-care for new moms: Physical activity can help
For more information
- Email us at HealthyStart@northernhealth.ca
- For more information about perinatal mental health in local First Nations communities, see Maternal and Child Health Program and mental health and wellness supports - First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
- Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to reach a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional