One in seven new moms will suffer from postpartum depression.
Dozens of people gathered at Millennium Park Saturday to participate in the Step into the Light event and raise awareness about parental mental health and to help community members know how to help friends or family who may be struggling.
The event also offered a chance to have a look at what local service providers can offer as well as a chance to talk with other parents and practitioners about what has often been a taboo subject.
Organizers hope to bring the subject of parental mental health struggles, which can affect dads as well as moms, out into the open and to create a supportive environment for those struggling.
“I am excited about this walk because I am hoping that we are breaking down that stigma that we can’t talk about this and that we are creating a culture and community of support,” said Lauren Andres, coordinator for Beautiful Beginnings at Kootenay Family Place.
Andres encourages anyone who is struggling to reach out for support.
“Start by telling somebody, anybody, is step one,” she said.
A visit to a family doctor is a good starting point, as they can refer you to other services and prescribe medication when needed. Andres encourages that if doctors aren’t your go-to person, then tell another health service provider.
Kootenay Family Place offers the Beautiful Beginnings drop-in program for pregnancy through six months postpartum on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program does not operate in July or August, but will restart in September.
Other resources include the Pacific Postpartum Society which offers free phone support including matching clients with a counsellor that will stay with you through your journey.
Bounce Back is another free phone-based support resource, it requires referral which you can get from Andres at Kootenay Family Place.
Castlegar Mental Health and Castlegar & District Community Services both offer local counselling support.
