Perinatal Mental Health Support and Resources
Below is a list of some of the organizations working in Canada, and internationally, that lend support to new and expectant parents.
There is a lot to explore here! You are welcome to start by picking and investigating just one or two items from an area of need.
Canadian Mental Health Association
The CMHA is a foundation that provides services to millions of Canadians every year and is one of the oldest mental health foundations. The CMHA offers support, information, and programs for a multitude of mental health concerns including:
The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association is a search facility that can be used to find a certified counsellor.
Anxiety Canada (Formerly AnxietyBC) is a great resource for more in-depth information about anxiety disorders and treatments. They also provide specific self-help resources. For specific information for new and/or expectant parents, visit:
Pacific Post Partum Support Society
The Pacific Post Partum Support Society provides information and support services for mothers (and their families) in the post partum period, specifically:
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International provides support, training and information for new parents as well as expecting parents. They offer:
The Lifeline Canada Foundation provides a list of crisis and support lines split up by province. The 24 hour Crisis line operating in BC is:
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1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
There are also many other region specific crisis lines on their website.
Evidence-based Resources for Pregnant and Postpartum Women in BC
Resources to support perinatal women in BC in managing anxiety.
Self Help
StarlingMinds: Self-directed, digital, free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) course
BC Mental Health and Addiction Service: CBT self-management book for anxiety during pregnancy
Bay Psychology: A COVID-19 Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) workbook.
McMaster University study: One-day CBT group therapy workshop for women experiencing postpartum depression
Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Expert tips and resources
MindShift: free CBT app
My Anxiety Plan: online CBT course
Relaxation technique audio clips:
Talk to an Expert
BC Psychological Association: Free psychological first-aid for COVID-19 anxiety
BounceBack BC: CBT coaching for anxiety and depression. Expanded COVID-19 service
Peer Support and Helplines
Pacific Post Partum Support Society: Peer support for moms through phone, video, and text message
Postpartum Support Services Vernon: Weekly online support groups for COVID-19, contact them on Facebook
VictimLinkBC: Telephone support for victims of family violence or sexual violence in BC, open 24 hours (1-800-563-0808)
Your Pregnancy and Birth during COVID-19
Prenatal Services BC: An infographic on breastfeeding if you have COVID-19
Best Start: A webinar by a Canadian midwife on having a baby during the COVID-19 pandemic
SmartMom: Learn through bite-sized text messages approved by the SOGC