July 10, 2025

Research Snapshot: Perinatal Mental Illness in Ontario

Key findings from a study on trends in perinatal mental health service use in Ontario.

Perinatal mental health conditions may develop during pregnancy or within the first year after delivery. These conditions include depression, anxiety, and alcohol or substance abuse.

This study examined population-level trends in perinatal mental health service use in Ontario between 2007 and 2021. The aim was to determine the rates and types of contact for mental health supports among perinatal people.

This research builds on our growing understanding of the Family Wellbeing component of the Vanier Institute’s Family Diversities and Wellbeing Framework.

Vigod, S. N., Babujee, A., Huang, A., Fung, K., Vercammen, K., Lye, J., Dzakpasu, S., & Luo, W. (2025, February 24). Perinatal mental illness in Ontario (2007–2021): A population‑based repeated cross‑sectional surveillance study. Canadian Journal of Public Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-024-00987-2

Authors

Simone N. Vigod, Amreen Babujee, Anjie Huang, Kinwah Fung, Kelsey Vercammen, Jennifer Lye, Susie Dzakpasu & Wei Luo

Publisher

Canadian Journal of Public Health

Resource Type

Research summaries

Suggested Citation

Keywords

Pregnancy; Postpartum; Mental health; Healthcare utilization; Population trends

Topics

Mothers

Library of Congress Subject Headings