The Pacific Post Partum Support Society, in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health, have launched a new, toll-free support line that will allow women and their partners in rural coastal communities, like the Sunshine Coast, to access help when the arrival of a new baby brings on feelings of sadness and anxiety.
The number, 1-855-255-7999, is accessible toll-free from the communities on the Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky corridor, in Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. The Pacific Post Partum Support Society has offered a similar service to women and their families in the Lower Mainland for several years.
"Perinatal depression often goes hand-in-hand with social isolation and distress," said Sheila Duffy, program manager, Pacific Post Partum Support Society. "If post partum depression is left untreated it can have lasting effects on the entire family. In its most severe form, it may even lead to maternal suicide. Phone support can be the first step in reaching out and is especially important in rural communities where it may even be harder for mothers to leave the house and access treatment or support."
Perinatal depression affects a woman's health and ability to care for herself and her new baby. One in five women in B.C. will experience depression during pregnancy or within the first year after the birth of their child. Often perinatal depression goes unrecognized and untreated.
The toll-free help line is part of a regional perinatal depression strategy that recognizes education, prevention and early intervention as key to ensuring the continued good health of women and their families during pregnancy and after the arrival of a new baby. The toll-free help line is an important link to connect rural women with the help they need.
"Vancouver Coastal Health offers many excellent resources and services to women and their families suffering from perinatal depression," Yasmin Jetha, regional director, Mental Health and Addiction Services, VCH. "These services are provided by physicians, staff and community partners. The goal of the new strategy is to provide timely, comprehensive information to women and their families so they are aware of perinatal depression services and programs and can access them in a timely manner."
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