You’re Not Alone: What Canada’s Research Reveals About Mental Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum
These are times of incredible transformation, and it’s normal to feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or vulnerable. One of the most powerful things you can do is begin to build your support system early—whether you’re planning a pregnancy, already expecting, or adjusting to life after birth.
Here in Terrace, we’re fortunate to have a growing network of professionals who are here to help. You can find many of them linked on the Directory page of this website, and they’re all dedicated to supporting you with care and evidence-based guidance. If you’re curious about just how common perinatal anxiety and depression are—and what Canadian research is saying about it—I invite you to keep reading. What you’ll find may surprise you, and hopefully, reassure you that you are not alone.
According to a large Canadian study, pregnancy-specific perinatal anxiety (PSPA) affects approximately 17.8% of pregnant individuals (Farrell et al., 2023). Risk is even higher for people with a history of anxiety or those who smoke during pregnancy, which were associated with an 8.5 times and 3.4 times higher risk, respectively. These are not small numbers. They reflect a widespread experience that often goes unseen—and untreated.
And it doesn’t stop with the birthing parent. A study from the University of Alberta found that fathers whose partners were diagnosed with postpartum depression were significantly more likely to experience depression themselves (Letourneau et al., 2012). In fact, research shows that paternal postpartum depression rates jump to over 24% when the mother is struggling, compared to about 10% when she is not (Paulson & Bazemore, 2010). The emotional wellbeing of both parents deeply affects the entire family, and this underscores how important it is to create support systems that include everyone—not just one partner.
At a national level, there’s growing recognition of these realities. The CANMAT 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines, created by leading Canadian researchers from Women’s College Hospital and McMaster University, are the first in the country to specifically address perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. These new guidelines emphasize early identification, accessible treatment options, and flexible approaches tailored to the severity of symptoms and individual needs. Despite this progress, the guidelines also reveal a critical gap: only 1 in 5 people who are experiencing a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder in Canada are currently receiving appropriate care.
That’s where we hope to make a difference.
At Nurture North, our new clinic in downtown Terrace is a welcoming space for anyone navigating the changes, stresses, and uncertainties of pregnancy and new parenthood. We offer Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) as a tool to reduce physical and emotional stress, soothe the nervous system, and create space for rest. But more than that, we are here to listen, to educate, and to hold space. Whether you have questions about what’s happening in your body, are feeling anxious and unsure, or just need a place to pause—we’re here for all of it.
As we grow, we’re dreaming about more ways to support our community. We’re wondering: would you be interested in group meetups or workshops? A space to share stories, explore common experiences, and connect with others walking similar paths? If so, we would love to hear from you. As we expand into our new downtown space, we hope to create more opportunities for real, meaningful connection.
We know the science is clear. Anxiety and depression during the perinatal period aren’t rare. They’re common. And they’re treatable. Evidence supports approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), peer support, mindfulness, and psychoeducation—tools that can help people manage symptoms like excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, and physical tension (Canadian Psychological Association, 2022).
There is also ongoing research here in British Columbia, where the UBC Perinatal Wellbeing Research Team is actively studying how early screening for pregnancy-specific anxiety could affect birth outcomes and long-term wellbeing. Organizations like PSI Canada and Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario are already helping to make care more accessible by offering free, peer-led support groups and reliable, evidence-informed resources across the country.
If you’ve been feeling anxious, disconnected, or simply unsure, know that you are not alone. And if you’re a partner—yes, this includes you too. Your mental health matters. Your story matters. And support is available.
We believe that when parents are cared for, entire families and communities grow stronger. We hope you’ll join us in helping to create that kind of care—here in Terrace, and beyond.
Follow this link to learn “How to Stop Worrying in 5 Steps”
🔗 How to Challenge Worries and Anxious Thoughts
Key References
Farrell, J., Kingston, D., & McDonald, S. (2023). Prevalence and risk factors for pregnancy-specific perinatal anxiety in Canada. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Letourneau, N. et al. (2012). Father depression and maternal depressive symptoms: Associations with child development. Pediatrics.
Paulson, J. F., & Bazemore, S. D. (2010). Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: A meta-analysis. JAMA, 303(19), 1961–1969.
CANMAT (2024). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety and Related Disorders in Canada.
Canadian Psychological Association. (2022). Psychology Works Fact Sheet: Perinatal Anxiety.
UBC Perinatal Wellbeing Research Lab: https://perinatalwellbeing.ca
PSI Canada: https://postpartum.net/canada
