Perinatal Mood Disorders

Steps to Wellness Before and After Baby

Steps to Wellness Before and After Baby is a free virtual group program that provides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.

Learn more about Steps to Wellness Before and After Baby

During pregnancy, or the first year of your baby's life, you may experience changes in your mood. As many as one in five women will develop symptoms of depression and/or anxiety during this time.

What is perinatal mood disorder?

• Symptoms of depression and/or anxiety which leave you feeling unable to cope or care for yourself or baby.
• Symptoms can vary greatly and range from mild to severe.
• It can affect anyone.
• New dads/partners may have some of these feelings too and require support.
• Family members may be the first to notice symptoms.

You may be more at risk if you have:

• history of depression or anxiety
• family history of depression
• recent stressful life events
• lack of social support
• are a newcomer to Canada

What are the symptoms?

If you are pregnant or are a new parent and have concerns about any of the following, you may have a perinatal mood disorder.

Do you often feel:

• very tired
• sad
• anxious/worried
• scared
• guilty
• angry
• like a failure
• like you are going crazy

Are you having trouble:

• sleeping/eating
• concentrating
• enjoying time with your baby
• relaxing with family or friends
• coping with day to day tasks
• dealing with scary thoughts/dreams

You are not alone. It is not your fault. Help is available. It does get better.