2/3 of moms felt so unhappy or anxious throughout being pregnant or postpartum that they had been involved about their psychological well being – of those, 1/3 felt this fashion more often than not. Less than half of moms who’re very involved about their psychological well being accessed therapy or help.

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2023 /CNW/ – The Daymark Foundation, based by the Michael H. McCain Family in 2020, at present held its first National Perinatal Mental Health Policy Symposium in Toronto.

“Research shows that a mother’s mental health is central to a family’s wellbeing, and it is a leading determinant of a child’s long-term mental and physical health,” stated Lauren McCain, Executive Chair of The Daymark Foundation. “Good maternal mental health care is critical to improving population-level mental health and the earliest form of intervention for child and youth mental health.”

The symposium was attended by authorities, stakeholders and medical consultants and practitioners, together with the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Michael Tibollo, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Attendees additionally included consultants from Women’s College Hospital, Sick Kids, the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative, Ontario Black Doula Society, and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

“New survey findings show that 60% of mothers did not access treatment because they didn’t feel comfortable talking about it, didn’t know they had a mental health issue at the time, didn’t know where to go, or faced some kind of barrier to care,” stated Vani Jain, Executive Director of The Daymark Foundation. “Lack of awareness and poor access to care are issues that can and must be addressed.”

“For far too long, women’s mental health has not been prioritized by our heath care system. From the physical challenges of giving birth, to the added financial and social pressures, to isolation, to sleep deprivation ─ the transition to parenthood is physically and emotionally taxing,” stated the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health. “We’re making sure that when someone is pregnant or has given birth, and is struggling with their mental health, they have the supports and services they need, when they need them.”

“The Roadmap to Wellness outlines our government’s plan to ensure that mental health supports are available for all Ontarians at every point in their lives,” stated the Honourable Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Helping parents during the crucial perinatal period is important for their mental health, and for the long-term health and wellness of their child. I want to thank the Daymark Foundation for hosting this symposium and for their dedication to protecting the mental health of parents and children across Ontario.”

Organizers felt that the National Perinatal Mental Health Policy Symposium was a step ahead in elevating the problems, analysis and interventions, and catalyzing progress. Key points mentioned included entry to care, efficient administration of well being human assets, the distinctive wants of equity-deserving teams, and the connection between maternal psychological well being and toddler and baby psychological well being.

Quick Facts*:

• BIPOC moms are considerably extra involved about their psychological well being than Caucasian moms (39% very involved vs. 28%).
• 29% of latest moms and 25% of pregnant ladies felt they not often or by no means had a help system.
• 21% of Canadian moms skilled lack of or instability round primary wants comparable to housing or revenue throughout being pregnant or postpartum.
• 83% of respondents felt that many moms solely understand they skilled perinatal psychological well being points properly after they occurred.
• 2/3 of Canadian moms are at the moment involved about their psychological well being, and half of Canadian moms often or all the time really feel burnt out.
• Of those who did obtain therapy or help for his or her perinatal psychological well being, 95% discovered it useful.

Additional Resources:
Published work on Perinatal Mental Health: Daymark Foundation

About the Daymark Foundation

Founded by the Michael H. McCain Family in 2020, the Daymark Foundation goals to remodel the best way we take into consideration and handle psychological well being in Canada. Priority areas embrace Women’s Mental Health and Bipolar Disorder.

SOURCE Daymark Foundation

For additional data: Media Contact: Taylor Jantzi, Global Public Affairs, [email protected]