You Are Not Alone: Supporting Perinatal Mental Health

By Linda Weir

Welcoming a new baby is often joyful, but it can also bring emotional challenges. Many parents experience changes in mood, stress or anxiety during pregnancy and after birth. About 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. Learning about perinatal mental health helps families recognize when support is needed.

What Is Perinatal Mental Health?
Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) refers to emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and up to one year after baby is born. During this time, some parents experience conditions such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. These conditions are common, treatable and not a source of shame.

Baby Blues vs. Perinatal Mood Disorders
It is normal to feel emotional ups and downs after having a baby. The “baby blues” may include tearfulness, mood swings, irritability or feeling overwhelmed, and usually resolve within two weeks. When symptoms are more intense, last longer or interfere with daily life, this may be a sign of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

Who Is At Higher Risk?
Anyone can experience perinatal mental health challenges. Risk may be higher for parents with:

A history of mental health concerns
A thyroid condition
High levels of stress
Limited supports
Ongoing sleep deprivation

Caring for Yourself Matters
Symptoms can begin during pregnancy or anytime within the first year after birth, so it is important to take care of yourself – for you and your baby. Sleep is especially important for mental health. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps and let other tasks go.

Eating regularly, staying connected and asking for help can support your wellbeing. Safe and effective medication options are available during pregnancy and breastfeeding – talk with your healthcare provider.

Dads and Partners Matter Too
PMH affects fathers and partners as well. Signs may include irritability, withdrawal, anger, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. Risk increases with stress, lack of sleep and limited support.

Supporting a Loved One
If someone you care about is struggling, ask them, “How are you really doing?” Offer practical help—meals, cleaning, holding the baby—or simply listen without trying to fix things.

Where To Get Help
You are not alone. With the right support, things can get better. Reaching out is the first step. The Middlesex-London Health Unit can help connect you with local supports. Visit www.healthunit.com/pregnancy-parenting/perinatal-mental-health/ or call 519-663-5317 (press 5) to speak to a public health nurse. Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (West Region) offers free, short-term, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy for adults 18 years of age and older with depression or anxiety. Learn more at www.ospwest.ca.

References

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT). (2024). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders.

Middlesex-London Health Unit. (2026). Perinatal Mental Health. https://www.healthunit.com/pregnancy-parenting/perinatal-mental-health/

Postpartum Support International. (2025). Postpartum Mental Health. https://postpartum.net/

Submitted by: Linda Weir, BScN, RN, CPMHN(C) for the Middlesex-London Health Unit