The Canadian Mental Health Association provides information about postpartum depression. Check out their website for more information. (Direct quotes italicized below.)
What is Postpartum Depression?
- a depression that may start during pregnancy or at any time up to a year after the birth of a child.
Who Does it Affect?
-Although it's more commonly reported by mothers, it can affect any new parents- both moms and dads-and it can affect parents who adopt.
What Can You Do About It?
-counselling
-support groups
-medication
How Can You Help a Loved One?
-Make sure your own expectations of your loved one's experience and day-to-day abilities are realistic.
-Remember that every parent and child is unique and it's not useful to compare two people or two families.
-Understand that people who experience postpartum depression may want to spend a lot of time alone.
-Offer help with daily responsibilities.
-Help with child care (including overnight help for feedings), or help finding a child care provider.
-Recognize a loved one's efforts regardless of the outcome.
-Talk to your doctor or public health nurse.
-Seek support for yourself, if needed.
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