Toddlers and Preschoolers – Health and Well-being

Mental Health

Mental wellness is as important to overall well-being as physical health, social and emotional connectedness, and intellectual accomplishment. Many moms experience symptoms of depression after giving birth, commonly called postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression can begin just after birth and may last up to fourteen months or longer after giving birth. Some symptoms of postpartum depression include anxiety, worry, sleeping problems, difficulty caring for your child, changes in your eating habits and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Many women do not talk about how they are feeling because they may be embarrassed, ashamed or might think these symptoms are a normal part of mothering.

If you suspect that you may have a mental health concern, there are a number of Manitoban resources in place to help. It is a good idea to contact your health care provider or a professional immediately. With the right supports, most women recover fully from postpartum depression.

General Information

• Are Canadian Kids Too Tired to Move?
• Mental Health General Information
• Busy lives and the Women Who Lead Them – Many women will grow and change through a variety of significant roles, including wife, mother and employee. Each role places different demands on a woman?s time, and is often associated with changes in physical activity levels.
• Managing the Stress of Family Responsibilities - For Women
• Why physical activity is the secret to happiness
• Why physical activity needs to be part of the mental health conversation

The Sandwich Generation

Balancing home and work, particularly when young children and a full-time job are in the picture, can be challenging for the best of us. It is easy to see why: eight hours at the office, plus commuting, arranging children's activities, helping with homework, preparing meals, doing household chores and planning for family time makes balance seem more like an elusive goal than a firm reality. For some, the task becomes even more difficult when they must not only provide care to their dependent children but also to aging relatives. These people are often referred to as "the sandwich generation". You may read more on this topic by clicking on the following links:

• Women caregivers of aging parents (helpful information, strategies, tips, and resources)
• Self-care for the Caregiver: Canadian Women's Health Network
• A guide for the caregiver: Information and resources for the caregivers of older adults (Government of Manitoba)

Postpartum Supports

• Helpful Websites and Publications
• In Crisis?
• Myths of Motherhood
• Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba (PPDAM) – Postpartum Depression (PPD) is recognized as the most common complication of childbirth, affecting an estimated 15% of families. PPD can happen any time within the first year after birth. There are many different types of mental health issues a mother can experience, aside from PPD. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can lead to a full recovery.
• Postpartum Depression Canadian Mental Health Association
• Regional Mental Health Crisis Lines
• Suicide Prevention – Find out the signs that tell you someone may be at risk for suicide and what you can do to prevent it.

Stress and the Holiday Season

• Anxiety Canada: Stress Busters
• Baby's First Holidays
• Holiday Stress
• Holiday Stress? Learn ways to cope this season
• How can I stick to my resolutions to lose weight and be more active?
• Managing Holiday Stress: Keeping the season festive & fun
• Managing holiday stress
• New Year's Resolutions
• Why do I feel depressed at Christmas?