After birth, our body continues to go through many changes, and it is common for your mood to change too. These can include emotions of feeling sad, tearful, irritable, exhausted, and overwhelmed. After birth, changes in mood come and go throughout the day and often go away on their own within 2 weeks. If the symptoms don't go away after 2 weeks, or they persist throughout the day and affect your day-to-day life, it is important to talk to a health care provider.

Perinatal mood disorders are real. 1 in 5 new mothers will develop a mood disorder in the first year after birth. 

 Symptoms can be different for everyone, and might include:

·    Not feeling like yourself

·       Sad and tearful  

·    Have no interest in activities you normally enjoy 

·       Shameful or hopeless

·    Guilty and ashamed, thinking you are not a good parent

·       Restless, angry, or irritable

·       Not bonding with your baby

·    Constant worry or racing thoughts

·    Inability to sleep or sleeping a lot

·    No appetite or drastically increased appetite

·    Have thoughts about harming yourself or your baby

All parents, including non-childbearing, can develop mood disorders, particularly if their partner is experiencing one. Mood disorders can happen to anyone! Often, family members may be the first to notice symptoms.

Key risk factors for perinatal mood disorders include a history of mental health issues, substance use disorder, multiple births, preterm births, high stress levels, and lack of social support.

Early recognition and support can help you manage these conditions effectively.

Self-care supports your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

The “NESTS” approach to self-care stands for: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep and rest, Time for yourself, and Support.

·    Nutrition. Nourish your body by drinking water and eating nutritious foods throughout the day. 

·    Exercise. Even a small amount of exercise can help boost your mood, increase energy levels, decrease stress and anxiety, and promote sleep.

·       Sleep and Rest. Give yourself permission to sleep or rest. Allow others to assist with household tasks and baby care so you can give yourself a break.

·    Time for yourself. Time for yourself is important. Try to do something you enjoy, even a few minutes a day may help. 

·    Support. Ask for help, all new parents need support from others. Share your feelings with your partner, family, friends, and a health care provider. Participate in on-on-one counselling sessions or join a support group with other parents. Seeking help right away can help support your recovery.