Self Care Guide

 
History
In 2003, the BC Reproductive Mental Health Program developed the very popular Self Care Program for Women with Postpartum Depression & Anxiety.  In 2011, this patient guide was replaced with the CBT-based Coping with Depression During Pregnancy and Following the Birth.  

Coping with Depression During Pregnancy and Following the Birth This new guide was created to help meet the needs of women with depression during pregnancy and following the birth.  Our goals are to: educate women and health care providers about the signs and symptoms of depression before and following the birth, educate women and health care providers about different available treatments, and   help women to become active participants in their own treatment and recovery, by using specific exercises and other lifestyle changes.

Download Modules
You may find it helpful to download the guide and go through it in modules:

• Module 1 – Introduction for Healthcare Workers
• Module 2 – Information for Women
• Module 3 – Getting Help: Treatment Options, Self Care, CBT
• Module 4 – Action: Making Positive Changes & Challenging Depressive Thinking
• Module 5 – Maintaining Gains & Relapse Prevention
• Module 6 – Handouts for Women

Purchase Hardcopy
You can order hardcopies for $15 from the CW Bookstore

Who Is This Guide For?
For Health Care Providers: This guide may be used by health care providers who work with women with depression during and following the birth of their baby.  We hope that this guide will help women to deal with their symptoms by making positve changes in their thinking, behavior and self care and help them to have the best possible experience during pregnancy and following the birth.  The guide provides information and exercises that can be used by patients/clients to help with treatment.  Depending on the degree of the symptoms, this guide can be used by health care providers on its own or in combination with other treatment options.

For Women:  This guide was created for doctors, nurses, mental health workers or other health care professionals who are working with women who are suffering from depression during or following the birth of their baby.  You will must likely want to use this guide with them.  In the back (Module 6) are handouts you can use with your health care provider.

By using this guide with a trusted health care provider, you have taken the first steps on an important journey.

Be kind to yourself.  Change takes time. Your hard work will be of benefit to both you and your family!