Many people in need but support for perinatal mental health not there, says N.L.’s only perinatal psychiatrist

Halifax Regional Police release Dartmouth suspect’s name and photo | SaltWire #news #novascotiaCORNER BROOK, N.L. — As the province’s only perinatal psychiatrist, Dr. Archana Vidyasankar feels the pressure every day of meeting the needs of mothers and fathers who are experiencing mental-health problems during pregnancy or the first year postpartum.

She has patients from all over the province, from Labrador to the west coast and central and from rural and urban areas who meet with her either in person or virtually via video.Dr. Archana Vidyasankar, the province’s only perinatal psychiatrist, receives between 30 and 35 referrals a month. Her wait list used to be one month and now it’s four. — Jenna Norman/Unsplash

“Yet there’s no dedicated counsellors or therapists to help navigate that. We are about to change the lives for families here at a such crucial point and it’s the highest time of risk for mood and anxiety disorders. And we still don’t have mental-health supports during this time,” said Vidyasankar. The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative are working to make people more aware of perinatal mental health, where to get help and providing that help. The groups support programs and initiatives that support new parents.

Advocating for more training of practitioners, curriculum changes, and educational sessions for nursing staff at the medical school and for licensed practical nurses are all on her agenda.Vidyasankar is hopeful the government will listen to those recommendations and put some things in place before the five years is up.

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

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