Baby Blues, Depression & Anxiety

Signs can range from mild blues to total despair.

• Feeling sad, anxious or crying a lot

• Feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless

• Finding it hard to focus or concentrate

• Feeling like you have no energy

• Not wanting to be with your family or friends

• Not enjoying life like you did before

• Not enjoying time with your baby

• Having panic attacks, excessive worrying, obsessive or scary thoughts

• Feeling inadequate or resentful towards the baby

• Feeling more angry or irritable then usual

Public health nurses will offer all new moms screening for depression by the time your baby is eight weeks old. This screening is a short list of questions called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or EPDS. Your answers help us to learn more about your feelings and what supports might help you. This may include a referral to your doctor or care provider for further follow up.

Self-care: Follow NESTS for Well-Being.

• N Nutrition: Choose a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and meat or alternatives instead of processed foods. Try to eat regularly.

• E Exercise: Take a short walk or do some stretching at home. Exercise can help to reduce stress and boost your mood.

• S Sleep & Rest: Try to get as much sleep as you need, including naps. Ask a partner or friend to watch your baby while you rest.

• T Time for Yourself: Find time for you to relax – even if it is just for a few minutes to put your feet up or go outside for some fresh air

• S Support: Social support plays an important role in helping you make it through the many life changes that go along with becoming a parent. Ask for help. Be kind to yourself.

We help you and your family learn more about postpartum depression and the education and support that is available.

• All new mothers will be contacted by a public health nurse 6–8 weeks after having their baby. The purpose of this call is to see how you are feeling and how you are coping with the emotional adjustment to having a baby and to share health information with you and provide support as needed. We can also refer you to care providers that provide more help and support.

• All new moms will be offered screening for depression around the time your baby is 8 weeks old. This screening is a short list of questions called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or EPDS. Your answers help us to learn more about your feelings and what supports might help you. This may include a referral to your doctor or care provider for further follow up. Review our "How are you feeling? Baby blues, anxiety and depression" brochure.

• Public Health Parent/Baby Groups: Free drop in programs for parents & caregivers of infants 1-12 months of age. Learn about a variety of topics related to the first year of your baby’s life and connect with other parents of young children. Find available parenting classes and contact your local public health centre/unit and speak with a nurse to learn more.

Connect with your family doctor or midwife to talk about how you are feeling. They are available to assess and diagnose your symptoms.

They can discuss anti-depressants or other medications that are safe with breastfeeding that may help.
Doctors may also refer to additional supports such as Mental Health services in your community.

HealthLink BC: 8-1-1is a free service available 24 hours a day. You can connect with a nurse to talk about any symptoms that may be worrying you. Pharmacists are also available if you have questions about any medications you may be taking. Visit HealthLinkBC to learn more.

Immediate, free, and confidential emotional support, crisis intervention and community resource information to people of all ages 24 hours a day – every day.

This lifesaving service provides support by phone or text to people in every province and territory in Canada, 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Learn more about Mental Health services, or contact your local Mental Health and Substance Use office for more information about programs we offer and how to access.

• Anxiety Canada provides resources on how to effectively manage anxiety during the pregnancy and post-partum periods.
• Pacific Postpartum Support Society is a service that offers telephone and text messaging support across B.C. Call toll free 1-855-255-7999 or text 1-604-255-7999. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10:00-3:00. Check out the website for more information & resources.
• HeretoHelp is a website resource from the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. They offer information & support for preventing and managing postpartum depression
• Reproductive Mental Health: Specialized reproductive mental health services offered by BC Women’s Hospital. Virtual and in-person services available. Please note that some group programs listed are located in the Lower Mainland.
• Coping with Anxiety during Pregnancy and following the Birth Workbook: A cognitive behaviour therapy-based self-management guide for women and health care providers
• Coping with Depression in Pregnancy Workbook: Basic information for women and their health care providers, as well as advice on getting help, making changes, and relapse prevention.
• HealthLink BC - 24/7 Health Advice You Can Trust
• HealthLink BC- Myths and Facts About Postpartum Depression 
• Celebrating the Circle of Life: A Guide to Emotional Health in Pregnancy & Early Motherhood for Indigenous Women & their Families