PDF | Vol. 7, No. 3 (2012)
Most people assume that pregnancy and postpartum (after birth) should be the happiest, most joyful times in our lives. The reality is that mental health challenges, including mental illnesses, may emerge or worsen during pregnancy and postpartum. Postpartum depression is well-known, but women can also experience depression during pregnancy, symptoms related to anxiety, or even psychosis. The good news is that early recognition, treatment and support can have an enormous impact on women, men, and their families. You’ll see this theme throughout the issue—be it care through a supportive health care team, peer support, or loved ones. Another common theme, though, is the stigma and stereotypes that women still experience: the assumption that a woman will hurt her baby and the assumption that prior substance use problems exclude a woman from raising a family are just two examples you’ll read. Fortunately, we are moving forward. In this issue, you’ll find helpful information on treatment strategies, as well as programs and resources here in BC.
Background
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Editor's Message
(Sarah Hamid-Balma) -
Starting Conversations
(Shaila Misri) -
Depression in Pregnancy and Postpartum
(Jules Smith and Jasmin Abizadeh)
Experiences and Perspectives
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Intrusive Thoughts? Not What We'd Planned ...
(Jolene H) -
Having It All, Together—A Love Story
(Sara Levy) -
Postpartum Depression—Fathers Get Hit By It Too
(Albert*) -
A Careful Treatment Plan Helped Dreams Come True
(Julianne) -
The Weight On My Shoulders—And When It Lifted
(Gail Johnson)
Alternatives and Approaches
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I Was Hoping for a Fairy Tale, But What I Got Was Stinky Poo
(Linda Foster) -
Help for Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
(Trisha Bowering) -
Problematic Substance Use in Pregnancy
(Ron Abrahams)
