Postpartum depression requires more attention, says P.E.I. mother

More should be done to help identify and treat postpartum depression in new mothers in the province, says P.E.I. mother Lisa Carmody-Doiron.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in 10 women experience postpartum depression. 

Carmody-Doiron says she experienced it herself. 

"Most women feel ashamed, and I did. I feel completely embarrassed, but that's what we have to get over, and we need women to feel like they're safe to talk about this," said Carmody-Doiron.

A year ago, Carmody-Doiron and 11 other women who had been diagnosed with postpartum depression met with P.E.I. Health Minister Doug Currie. 

The group suggested public health nurses check more women for mental health issues after they give birth. 

Carmody-Doiron says they have not heard of any changes but she is continuing to raise awareness about the issue with the public. 

The group Postpartum Progress is holding an event June 20 called Climb out of the Darkness. 

"We meet on Saturday at 11 [A.m.]at Victoria Park. Loads and loads of families walking to primarily spread awareness around this and sort of beat the stigma attached to mental health, and then there's also a fundraising aspect," said Carmody-Doiron.