The Government of Canada has announced over $850,000 to support three projects focused on maternal mental health. The announcement was made by the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on May 3, 2023 – World Maternal Mental Health Day during Mental Health Week in Canada.
A project to develop clinician guidelines for perinatal mood disorders, co-led by Dr. Benicio Frey (McMaster University & St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton) and Dr. Simone Vigod (Women's College Hospital & the University of Toronto) was awarded $372,000. The guidelines will help individuals, families, and caregivers better understand what to ask for in their care; assist health care professionals in expanding their knowledge of what perinatal care should be offered; and help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve their performance.
“It is our greatest pleasure to collaborate with our colleagues and stakeholders from diverse populations across the country in the development of the first Clinical Practice Guideline for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Canada. This national clinical practice guideline will provide clear direction to mental healthcare practitioners on the best treatments for the most common mental health problems during pregnancy and the postpartum – and support affected persons and their families in knowing what they can and should expect from their treatment,” said Drs. Frey and Vigod.
During the announcement, Minster Bennett also participated in the second annual Flora's Walk for Perinatal Mental Health, named after Flora Babakhani, a Canadian mother who lost her life to undetected and untreated postpartum psychosis.
“In Canada, a quarter of mothers who recently gave birth reported feelings consistent with either postpartum, depression or anxiety. As we mark the 2nd annual Flora's Walk, which honours the memory of Flora Babakhani, who tragically lost her life to postpartum psychosis, as well as World Maternal Mental Health Day and Mental Health Week - today's funding will enable more mothers across Canada to access the mental health supports they need and deserve," said Minister Bennett. "To all the new parents who may be struggling, please do not carry this burden alone or in silence. Getting help is the most important thing you can do for yourself - you are not alone."