Better Data, More Resources Needed to Address Gaps in Maternal Mental Health in Canada
01 May 2024 - 9:00PM
A growing body of evidence is showing a concerning rise in the
number of new mothers in Canada struggling with mental health
conditions who may not be getting the help they need.A variety of
factors are playing a role, but ultimately more focused attention
on the importance of maternal and perinatal mental health is needed
to address key gaps in resources and data collection to fully
recognize and address the scope of the problem in Canada.
May is recognized as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in
Canada – a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance
of mental health support for new parents. This month, the Society
of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) wishes to
highlight that maternal and perinatal mental health is a constant
and significant public health concern that can have devastating
consequences for pregnant and postpartum mothers, their infants and
their families.
Perinatal mental health issues are under-diagnosed and
under-treated in Canada. But health providers lack a full
understanding of exactly how many mothers are struggling, why they
may not be accessing help and what resources are available – or not
– across the country. This is due to a fragmented data collection
system, ongoing stigma, privacy barriers and a lack of attention to
this important issue in Canada.
The SOGC is urging the federal government to place a greater
priority on perinatal mental health and to take a leadership role
in getting provinces and territories to improve and standardize
their maternal mental health and mortality data collection
practices. Without better data, it is impossible to understand the
prevalence of perinatal mental illness in Canada. A national
approach to perinatal mental health – including provincial and
territorial co-operation and strategies – would help to identify
opportunities for prevention and intervention, to make accurate and
effective decisions related to resources allocation, capacity, and
healthcare delivery models.
The SOGC and its members are actively engaged in finding
solutions and shining a light on this important public health
issue. Later this year, the SOGC will release new clinical practice
guidelines to provide guidance to all health care providers
assisting new parents to better identify and refer perinatal mental
illness and mood disorders. This June, the SOGC is also hosting a
Summit on the Prevention of Maternal Mortality to share
vital information about activities across Canada focused on
the prevention of maternal mortality – the most dire outcome
associated with perinatal mental illness.
“Canada needs strong leadership, sustained commitment from all
stakeholders, adequate resources and, most importantly, recognition
of perinatal mental health as a priority. The lives and wellbeing
of our mothers, children and families are at stake.” – Dr. Diane
Francoeur, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists of Canada.
Media Inquiries:Kelsey MacDonaldDirector of
Communications and Public AffairsSociety of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists of Canadakmacdonald@sogc.com613-730-4192 x 228