Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year the goal is to fight the stigma around mental health, provide support and to educate the public.

In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness or addiction. Mental illness refers to a wide range of disorders that affect mood, thinking and behaviour. Many would likely say that this year in particular is quite different than any year we have experienced in our lifetimes. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have seen closures of many businesses and services that had been a normal part of our lives in order to prevent and slow the spread of the coronavirus disease. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and stressful, causing strong emotions in both children and adults. Stresses during this time are likely to cause sleep disturbances, changes in daily patterns (sleeping, eating), fear/worry about the health of yourself and loved ones, worsening of physical and mental health conditions, and/or increased usage of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Our concern during this time is how this is affecting those who are not only caring for their own mental and physical health during this time, but are also caring for an unborn child.

The Pregnancy During the Pandemic study aims to understand how mental and physical wellbeing during pregnancy are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant mothers are being asked about their experience of pregnancy during this time with decreased access to regular amenities (doctor’s appointments, physiotherapy, chiropractic, mental health support etc.), changes in birth plans, and their response to the health crisis going on around them. Mental health, as well as coping and resiliency are being studied in these women in order to understand how this situation will affect the mothers and babies, and to offer support to those in need.

Need help or know someone that does?

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - https://cmha.ca/

Primary Care Network Calgary Foothills - https://cfpcn.ca/pregnancy-resources/

Birth and Babies Pregnancy Wellness Guide - http://birthandbabies.com/content/file/Pregnancy_Wellness_Guide.pdf

Healthy Parents Healthy Children - https://www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca/

Postpartum Support International (PSI) - https://www.postpartum.net/ or text 503-894-9453

Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline - https://www.samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746

Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline - https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

Mental Health First Aid/Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHFA) - https://www.mhfa.ca/

National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Pregnancy During the Pandemic Study

https://www.pregnancyduringthepandemic.com

https://twitter.com/PregnancyStudy

https://www.facebook.com/pregnancystudy01

https://www.instagram.com/pregnancystudy01/

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Collaboration During COVID-19: '“Pregnant During the Pandemic”

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CTV News Calgary: COVID-19’s Impact on Pregnancy