Southwestern Public Health raises awareness of maternal mental health

With World Maternal Mental Health Day on May 6, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is shining a light on mental health needs in pregnant and postpartum individuals, and the services available to support them. 

Local data from SWPH’s 2024 Maternal and Reproductive Health Report shows that mental health concerns during pregnancy, both formally diagnosed and self reported, are on the rise locally and provincially. 

In 2022, more than 1 in 3 women (35.6 per cent) living in the SWPH region experienced mental health concerns during pregnancy. Rates of anxiety during pregnancy have risen significantly, increasing by 10 per cent locally between 2018 and 2022. That same year, 28.7 per cent of pregnant women in the SWPH region experienced anxiety, compared to 18.5 per cent provincially. 

Perinatal mental health also remains an important issue. In 2022, nearly 1 in 10 women in the SWPH region who had given birth at least once before had reported a history of postpartum depression. On average, postpartum depression is twice as common locally compared to the provincial rate. 

“Maternal mental health is a significant and growing public health concern in our communities,” says Karrie Skillings, Public Health Nurse. “Pregnancy and parenting can be mentally and emotionally demanding, and many people need extra support. We are fortunate in our region to have help available for parents and parents to be.” 

As part of its commitment to maternal mental wellness, SWPH offers a range of supportive, evidence‑based programs, including Balanced Beginning, a 9-week mental health program conducted virtually, at no cost for eligible individuals. It uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a way of understanding and improving how you think and feel. Public health nurses lead the sessions and help support pregnant people and new parents with babies up to 18 months old. 

One past participant describes Balanced Beginning as transformative: 

“The online Balanced Beginning program has been absolutely amazing. I started this program with low expectations. I was deep in the trenches, and even though I had heard that things could get better, I couldn't see a way out. The program facilitators have done a wonderful job helping me work through my thoughts and reframe my thinking so that I can move forward with a much more positive outlook. Motherhood can feel so isolating, and it's been great to know that I am not alone! Reaching out can be hard, but SWPH has such amazing programs in place, and I am glad I took the steps to register."

Another participant shared how joining the program supported them during early motherhood: 

“Joining the postpartum CBT group made a meaningful difference during my early months of motherhood. It gave me a safe space to share my feelings, learn practical ways to manage stress and anxiety, and realize that I wasn’t alone in what I was experiencing. The support from the facilitators and other moms helped me feel more confident and emotionally stronger. I’m truly grateful for this program and the sense of understanding and community it created.” 

SWPH encourages parents, caregivers, and communities to talk openly about maternal mental health, check in on new and expectant parents, and seek support early. 

“Reaching out can be hard,” adds Skillings, “These programs exist to support parents through some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments. No one needs to navigate this alone.” 

To learn more about Balanced Beginning and other maternal mental health supports offered by Southwestern Public Health, visit their website or contact 1-800-922-0096.