A recent survey by Statistics Canada has revealed concerning statistics about the mental health of mothers and birthing parents in Canada, highlighting a significant gap in access to care during the critical postpartum period. The 2024 Parental Experiences Survey, which surveyed over 11,000 individuals who gave birth between December 31, 2023, and April 29, 2024, underscores the urgent need for improved mental health support for this vulnerable population.
High Incidence of Mental Health Challenges
According to the findings, nearly 50% of mothers and birthing parents reported experiencing mental health difficulties following childbirth. Among those affected, one in five indicated that they required mental health care but did not receive it during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. The survey included responses from a diverse group of individuals, encompassing not only mothers who identify as women but also those who are transgender or non-binary.
The data further reveals that for many, the onset of mental health issues occurred after childbirth, with 60% of respondents reporting the emergence of challenges during this time. Meanwhile, 25% noted that their difficulties began while pregnant, and 15% stated they had faced mental health issues prior to becoming pregnant.
Gaps in Emotional Well-Being Assessment
The survey also highlighted a significant oversight in healthcare provision, with 21% of participants stating that no healthcare provider inquired about their emotional well-being during pregnancy or after childbirth. Lucy Barker, a psychiatrist and early-career scientist at Women’s College Hospital, emphasised the importance of healthcare professionals proactively addressing mental health concerns. “We know there are many barriers in accessing care for individuals. It can be very challenging to bring it up spontaneously for some people, so making sure that healthcare providers are always asking and giving that opportunity is really important,” she explained.
Disparities in care were particularly evident among racialised and immigrant communities. A striking 30% of racialised mothers and birthing parents reported that they were not asked about their mental health, while 33% of recent immigrants felt similarly neglected. The survey also indicated that only 29% of racialised respondents received help for their mental health issues, compared to 41% of their non-racialised counterparts.
Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Support
Many respondents identified long wait times as the primary obstacle to obtaining mental health care, with 54% citing this concern. A further 33% expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of available services. Other barriers included uncertainty about how to seek help (21%) and feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities (19%). Alarmingly, only 2% of those facing mental health challenges sought emergency care or were hospitalised.
Barker pointed out the complexities of the postpartum experience, stating, “During pregnancy and postpartum, there is a lot going on; it’s a time of a lot of transition, and there can be a lot of competing priorities. Certainly, for some people, it can be difficult to get to appointments for their mental health. There are a lot of different challenges.”
The Need for Equitable Care
The survey underscores the pressing need for equitable access to mental health care for all mothers and birthing parents. Barker reiterated the significance of ensuring that all individuals are routinely asked about their mental health. “That really speaks to the importance of making sure that care is equitable and making sure that everyone has access to the care that they need, which includes being asked about mental health, as a first step to the pathway of getting people care,” she noted.
In a positive development, Health Canada approved a new medication, Zuranolone, in December 2025, which aims to treat postpartum depression by acting on brain receptors linked to mood regulation. This advance may provide much-needed relief for those suffering from moderate to severe postpartum depression, indicating a growing recognition of the need for targeted interventions.
Why it Matters
The findings from the 2024 Parental Experiences Survey are a wake-up call for policymakers and healthcare providers alike. The mental health of mothers and birthing parents is not just an individual concern; it has ramifications for families and communities at large. Addressing these gaps in care is crucial not only for improving health outcomes but also for fostering a supportive environment where all parents can thrive. Increased awareness, accessible resources, and proactive engagement from healthcare professionals are essential steps toward ensuring that no one is left to navigate the challenges of postpartum mental health alone.
