May 7, 2025
On Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day, the South East Health Unit (SEHU) is stressing the importance of mental health care and the acknowledgment of mental health concerns for new and expectant parents. For individuals experiencing symptoms associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, support is available through Steps to Wellness, a new Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group available through SEHU.
“Pregnancy and the birth of a child can be an exciting time for a family. For some, the many changes associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period can make birthing parents and mothers more vulnerable to mental health challenges,” says Michelle Yoksimovich, Healthy Families Program Manager for SEHU. “Postpartum depression, a common perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), is a significant health concern, as it affects one in five birthing parents. When we look at the number of individuals who have given birth and experienced depression during pregnancy, or who have noted a history of post-partum depression, or any mental health concern during pregnancy, the rates in the region now served by the South East Health Unit tend to be significantly higher than the provincial average.”
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, race, culture, or education. Symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy, or during the first 12 months after childbirth. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anxiety; taking less enjoyment and interest in things; and feeling overwhelmed. For anyone experiencing these symptoms, it’s important that they talk to their health-care provider and their support people about how they feel, as there are effective and well-researched treatment options available.
Birthing parents and new mothers experiencing symptoms associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can now get support by registering for Steps to Wellness, a free nine-week, online, group-based, cognitive behavioural therapy program available to eligible participants. Those struggling with perinatal mental health concerns are not alone, they are not to blame and with help, they can get better.
For more information or to register for Steps to Wellness, call the CARELine 613-966-5500, ext. 223 or email us at careline@hpeph.ca (a public health nurse will contact you).
Join us in raising awareness of this very important health concern on May 7, 2025 by using the hashtag #maternalMHmatters on social media.
To learn more, about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, visit:
- Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
- Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Counties
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties
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Media contacts
Sara Hart, Communications Specialist
hart.sara@hpeph.ca
