Talk about your feelings with your partner, your healthcare provider or someone you trust.
Prenatal Depression and Anxiety Disorders are common
When prenatal depression and anxiety are left untreated, the risk of postpartum depression and mood disorders increases. Partners and other children can struggle too. It can affect anyone in the family. Early intervention can help you feel better during pregnancy!
People experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders may...
- Feel sad or numb
- Be tearful or cry a lot
- Feel exhausted, but not able to sleep
- Have changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Feel overwhelmed and can’t concentrate
- Feel anxious or can’t stop worrying
- Seek constant reassurance from others or the internet
- Have no interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Feel hopeless or worthless
- Feel restless, irritable or angry
- Feel guilty and ashamed
- Avoid spending time with family and friends
- Have thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- Have scary thoughts about your baby
If your symptoms continue or get worse, speak to your healthcare professional.
What you can do...
- Rest during the day when feeling tired
- Get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep
- Eat healthy food several times a day
- Go for a walk 3-4 times a week or more
- Accept help from family and friends
- Take time for yourself
- Relaxation such as listening to music, deep breathing, or reading
- Limit the time you spend with people who make you feel anxious or sad
- Talk about your feelings with your partner or someone you trust
- Find the prenatal education that is right for you
- Reach out to your healthcare professional to talk about what help and treatment options are available
- Take Action, Get Help
Mental Health Supports
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Support Line (24/7 Therapeutic Listening)
1-844-360-8055
Middlesex-London Health Unit
Speak with a Public Health Nurse, 519-663-5317
Talk 4 Healing Help Line (24/7 for Aboriginal Women)
Call or Live Chat, 1-855-554-HEAL (4325), or Webchat
Family Service Thames Valley Counselling Services
519-433-0183, ext. 605 (intake)
Women's Rural Resource Centre (Strathroy)
1-800-265-5390
Carre Four des Femmes (Services confidentiels gratuits pour les femmes francophones)
519-858-0954
The Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRCSSI)
519-672-6000
online support group (Women's College Hospital, Toronto)
Mother Reach Support Group (in-person, London)
For information and registration, email: motherreachlondon@gmail.com
Tandem (Vanier Intake Service)
519-433-0334
Crisis Supports:
Reach Out (24/7 Crisis Service)
Call: 1-866-933-2023
Text:519-433-2023
Webchat
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7 Crisis & Counselling Service)
1-855-242-3310
CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental health Crisis Centre (24/7 walk-in service)
648 Huron St. London
Anova: A Future Without Violence (24/7 Crisis & Support Line)
1-800-265-1576
Tandem (Vanier Intake Service)
24/7 Crisis Support Services for children from birth-18 yrs of age and their parents/guardians
519-433-0334
Zhaawanong Women's Shelter (24-hr emergency Shelter & support for Indigenous women & their children)
1-800-605-7477