Where can you get more information, resources and support if you or someone you care for is depressed or anxious during pregnancy and/or the postpartum?
- Your family doctor, public health nurse, midwife, doula or psychiatrist
- Outpatient psychiatry or psychology departments or clinics at local hospital (call the main reception listed in telephone book). In BC, several hospitals have psychiatrists who specialize in perinatal mental health.
- BC Women’s Hospital Reproductive Mental Health Patient Guide: “Self Care Program for Women with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety" is available to download for free or purchase from the bookstore.
- Your local Mental Health and Addictions Teams: Contact your regional health authority for more information
- Your community mental health centre: See CMHA-BC Branch Locator at http://www.cmha.bc.ca/about/bc_branches to find a location near you.
To locate additional publicly funded resources in your area please contact your Regional Health Authority:
Within the Vancouver area you may also contact Inform Vancouver (604-875-6381) to speak to an information specialist who can find local community services (including support groups, hospital programs, government services) related to a specific problem. Or, search the Redbook Online at: http://www2.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/redbook/
Emergency Contacts:
In case of an emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For help lines see below:
- SAFER- Suicide Attempt Counselling Service (604-879-9251). Offers counselling for individuals with suicide risk and supports family/friends concerned about their loved ones.
- The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
- Vancouver 24 Hour Crisis Line: (604-872-3311)
- Toll free province-wide emergency line: (1-800-suicide, 1-800-784-2433)
For more information and best links, go to our Resources for:
Women
Family and Friends
Professionals