Grant: Applied Public Health Chair - LOI

The tragedy of mothers killing their children and themselves continues to make news headlines. Maternal mental illness, such as postpartum depression, is an increasingly serious problem that threatens the health of our families and society. About 20% of pregnant and postpartum women suffer with anxiety and/or depression. Depression during pregnancy is important, not just because of the effects on the health of the mother, but also the possible harmful effects on the unborn baby and growing child. Women, who live in poverty, or newly immigrant, or who experience stress, are at even higher risk for mental health problems. My research program will increase our understanding of maternal mental health problems. It will help to find new ways to support women, especially those who do not live close to health services or who are living in socially vulnerable circumstances. As a Chair in Applied Public Health, I will: •Bring together women who have experienced maternal mental health problems, healthcare providers, and decision makers from across Canada to address maternal mental health policy. •Develop a new online postpartum depression support group. •Continue to train new researchers in maternal mental health. •Develop and test ways to increase wellbeing in at-risk families living with maternal mental health problems.