The Pacific Post Partum Support Society staff and board of directors wish to send our condolences to the Gibson family and community of Winnipeg. This is tragic news that highlights the importance of resources for women, families and community.
An estimated one out of every six women experiences troubling depression or anxiety after the birth or adoption of a child.
This is referred to as postpartum depression (PPD) and can be a tremendously stressful time for the family. PPD is often characterized by despondency, emotional instability, anger, guilt, tearfulness, worrying, anxious thoughts or images, feelings of inadequacy and the inability to cope. It may occur shortly after the arrival of a new baby or many months later. For some women, symptoms may begin in pregnancy. If you are experiencing any symptoms, and your youngest child is younger than three years old, please call. You are not alone. We are here to help.
It is unfortunate that it is often these types of tragedies that bring PPD into focus. We do not know whether Lisa Gibson was suffering from PPD or postpartum psychosis. Most often it is postpartum psychosis that make headlines as it can often end in terrible tragedies such as this story.
It is important to distinguish postpartum depression as a separate illness, however, as
misinformation can lead to more stigma and the possibility of mothers being afraid to admit or reach out for help when they are struggling.
The most important factor for all new mothers and fathers, regardless of their diagnosis, is that they receive treatment and support through what is often a challenging time.
This is a time for compassion as a community as it is all of our responsibility to help families and to make sure that every new parent is able to access support in their community.
It is imperative that they are met with understanding and education about postpartum mood disorders. For more information, please see our website at www.postpartum.org.
Our support lines are available six days a week. We also offer seven support groups across the Lower Mainland.
Stace Dayment,
Pacific Post Partum Support
