Expert: World Maternal Mental Health Day (May 1)

May 1 is World Maternal Mental Health Day. Life changes around pregnancy make women more vulnerable to mental illness. The negative cycle of poverty and mental illness impact on a woman’s ability to function and thrive. This may also directly affect her foetus or child, with long-lasting physical, cognitive and emotional outcomes. Mental health care provides the necessary support to empower women to identify resources and personal capabilities.

Dr. Gabrielle Cassir, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University

"World Maternal Mental Health Day is an opportunity to shed light on a topic that is of utmost importance with lasting consequences for both mother and child. Often underdiagnosed and undertreated, one in five women experience significant perinatal mental health issues. Mental wellness has been the focus of recent social media enthrallment and society should be aware of the presenting features distinguishing ‘baby blues’ and ‘postpartum depression.” – Dr. Gabrielle Cassir

Dr. Cassir is a maternal-fetal medicine sub-specialist and also a staff physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Mary’s Hospital Center.

For more about Dr. Cassir: https://www.mcgill.ca/medicine/channels/news/talking-womens-health-dr-gabrielle-cassir-295106

gabrielle.cassir [at] mcgill.ca (English)