09/25/2026
Su***de prevention includes perinatal mental health. đź’ś
When we talk about su***de risk, pregnancy and the postpartum period are important to include in the conversation.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than the “baby blues.” It is a serious and treatable mental health condition that can occur during the first year after giving birth. For some people, PPD can include thoughts of death or su***de.
Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is different. It is rare, affecting approximately 1–2 in every 1,000 births, but it is a psychiatric emergency. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, severe confusion, extreme mood changes and significant changes in sleep. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
In Canada, approximately 80,000 people are affected by perinatal mental illness each year. Yet stigma, lack of awareness and barriers to accessing care can make it difficult for people to get the support they need.
We often get swept up in the excitement of a new baby and forget to check in on the mother. This Su***de Awareness Month, let's remember to ask about the person, not just the baby. Remember, asking about su***de doesn’t put the idea into someone’s head. But it can open the space for a conversation.
***deAwarenessMonth ***dePrevention
