Postpartum Depression and Suicide

What is postpartum depression?

Post-partum depression is a form of depression that occurs after the birth of a child.  

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It is a mental health disorder that generally appears a few weeks or months after childbirth. In some cases, it can also begin in the month preceding childbirth. It can make daily functioning very difficult. 

Even though postpartum depression occurs mainly in the parent that gives birth, it can also occur in their partners as well. 

What can cause postpartum depression? 

Postpartum depression doesn’t have a single cause. It can be linked to many factors, such as: 

  • Biological 
    • Previous depression during pregnancy or in the past 
    • Hormonal changes after childbirth 
    • Disturbed sleep patterns 
    • Difficult childbirth or physical complications 
  • Psychological 
    • Low self-esteem 
    • Tendency to be critical towards self or feeling like an inadequate parent 
    • Feeling like one needs to fit the image of an “ideal parent” 
    • Having experienced or currently experiencing stressful situations (financial problems, loss of a loved one, moving, etc.) 
    • Infant loss 
  • Social 
    • Having little or no social support 
    • Relationship difficulties 
    • Intimate parter violence 
    • Feeling dissatisfied in one’s relationship 
    • Stress related to new responsibilities or managing different roles (parent, work, relationship, etc.)  

What are the impacts of postpartum depression? 

Postpartum depression can have many repercussions in different aspects of life. Here are some examples: 

  • Physical 
    • Intense fatigue 
    • Lowered energy levels 
    • Problems sleeping 
  • Relational 
    • Difficulty building or maintaining attachment to the baby 
    • Difficulty caring for the baby or enjoying caring for the baby 
    • Social withdrawal or isolation 
    • Tensions between partners in a relationship or with loved ones 
  • Emotional 
    • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless 
    • Difficulty deriving pleasure from activities that are usually enjoyed 
    • Anxiety, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed 
    • Guilt or feeling like you are “not enough” 
    • Crying often and sometimes for no apparent reason 
    • Having thoughts related to death or suicidal thoughts

You are experiencing postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts? 

Postpartum depression can cause significant suffering. For some people, it can lead to suicidal thoughts. If that is your case, it’s important to reach out. 

We encourage you to check out the following sections:

01 Taking stock of your mental health

The first step toward taking back control is identifying what’s causing your suicidal thoughts.

02 Taking care of yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and regain your balance when you’re having suicidal thoughts.

03 Talking about it with your loved ones

Asking for help from your family and friends isn’t always easy. There are different ways of going about it.

04 Finding support services

Every day, all sorts of people contact support services to get the help they need.

What to do if you have symptoms of postpartum depression? 

If you are experiencing one or more symptoms associated with postpartum depression, contact 811 option 2 (Info-Social) to speak to a responder about your situation and be referred to local resources that can help as needed.

To obtain an evaluation or a follow-up with a healthcare worker, see a general practitioner (like a family doctor), a psychologist or contact your local CLSC.

Other resources can also help people experiencing postpartum depression.

Find resources

Some tips to help if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression 

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