Canada Needs a National Perinatal Mental Health Strategy
The Issue
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy, yet they remain one of the least addressed. These disorders, which include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more, affect 20% of women and 10% of men during pregnancy and postpartum.
Stigma and lack of awareness prevent many families from getting the help they need. In fact, only 15% of mothers experiencing PMADs in Canada receive professional treatment. The consequences are devastating: one in 19 maternal deaths in Ontario is attributed to suicide, making it the fourth leading cause of death for mothers.
The lack of a national strategy also has a huge economic impact, costing Canada approximately $11 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
Our Call to Action
Families in Canada deserve better. That’s why we are calling on the government to create a National Perinatal Mental Health Strategy.
This strategy must include:
Universal Screening: Routine mental health screenings during pregnancy and postpartum.
Timely Access to Treatment: Specialized care for mothers, fathers, and partners when they need it most.
Equitable Access: Policies and funding that ensure all families, regardless of location or background, receive high-quality care.
Canada Is Falling Behind
Countries like the UK, Australia, and parts of the U.S. have implemented national perinatal mental health strategies, including universal screening and timely access to care. Yet Canada lags behind, with no comprehensive approach to ensure equitable access to treatment for all families.
Marginalized communities—including recent immigrants, BIPOC families, single parents, and LGBTQ2 families—are particularly affected, facing even higher rates of PMADs and greater barriers to care.
Have you experienced perinatal mental health struggles? Tell us your story below