It’s common to need time to adapt when you are pregnant or have a new baby in your life. Many parents expect to feel happy with the arrival of a new baby and are surprised if they feel sad, anxious, angry or overwhelmed. Depression and anxiety can affect any new parent and can start during pregnancy or any time in your baby’s first year of life.

If you are going through postpartum depression or anxiety, you are not alone. Many parents don’t talk about how they are feeling because they are afraid others will think they are not able to care for their baby. This is not your fault. There is help and there is hope.

The Baby Blues

Up to 75 per cent of people who give birth experience the baby blues. The baby blues are caused by hormone changes and adjusting to becoming a parent. Baby blues usually last about two weeks. Parents with the baby blues may have mood swings, worry a lot, cry easily, feel tired, overwhelmed or irritable, and have trouble sleeping.

Beyond the Baby Blues

Many new parents experience depression or anxiety. Anyone raising a child can be affected. Often, other people close to you may notice changes in how you are doing and express concern. Sometimes it is hard to know if how you are feeling (e.g., tired or overwhelmed) are symptoms of depression or common adjustments to parenting. It is important to recognize the signs early and talk to a health-care provider so you get the support and care you may need.

Signs of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Postpartum depression and anxiety can be different for each person. Talk to a health-care provider if:

Postpartum Depression Can Be Treated

If you think you have depression or anxiety talk to a health-care provider. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. Therapy, counseling, support groups and/or medication can help. Treatment can look different for each family. In addition to treatment, you can help yourself by:

Being kind to yourself

• Don’t pressure yourself to do everything you used to do
• Do what you can and leave the rest

Asking for help

• Take friends and family up on offers to help with laundry, cooking or taking care of baby so you can rest or get out of the house

Taking care of your body

• Rest when you can
• Be physically active
• Eat healthy foods
• Avoid alcohol

Making time to recharge

• Do something you enjoy
• Stay connected
• Spend time with your partner, family or friends

How to Support Someone with Postpartum Depression

• If you think your partner or friend is experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, tell them about your concerns. Be supportive and positive and avoid shaming or blaming the person.
• Encourage them to talk to a health-care provider as soon as possible and offer to go with them to appointments.
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Validate and reassure them.
• Ask family and friends for their understanding and support.
• Take care of the baby so they can rest.
• Do skin-to-skin contact with the baby so they can rest.
• Help with the daily housework and chores.

Postpartum depression and anxiety can be treated.

If you think you have postpartum depression or anxiety, here is where to get help:

• Your health-care provider, public health nurse, midwife, health centre or nursing station
• If you do not have a health care provider and would like one, use the Family Doctor Finder Program website or call 1-866-690-8260  

Need help now?

If you are feeling out of control, like you are not coping or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, this is a medical crisis. Put your baby in a safe place, get someone to watch them and call:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8  
• Manitoba Suicide Line (24 hours/7 days a week)1-877-435-7170 or visit the website a reason to live
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 (service is available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, English and French)  
• Klinic Community Health Centre Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days a week) 1-888-322-3019  
• 911 or your local emergency number
• If you need more information and help finding resources, call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257  

For more information:

• The Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba ppdmanitoba.ca
• Postpartum Support International postpartum.net
• Canadian Mental Health Association cmha.ca
• Coping with Change: a new parent’s guide