New study out of Western University says walking can help women with mild to moderate postpartum depression
A new study out of Western University in London, Ont. is suggesting that physical activity could be key in treating postpartum depression (PPD) for some women.
According to the study, a brisk walk, even as little as 15 minutes a day, may be the answer for many women struggling with PPD, though some severe cases may still require traditional medical care.
“PPD can have major effects on a woman’s mental health, but also on the child’s development,” said Veronica Pentland, an undergraduate student, in a statement. “If you are depressed, it’s harder to care for yourself and, by extension, your child.”
Different from baby blues, PPD can cause severe mood swings, exhaustion, and even a sense of hopelessness. About 23 per cent of new mothers in Canada experience some of these symptoms, while recent studies in Europe and Asia indicate this number has increased to nearly 30 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study, which analyzed data from five research projects involving 242 participants, recommends women walk at a “moderate intensity” 90 to 120 minutes per week to reduce PPD symptoms.
Pentland also says there are many long-standing barriers for accessing treatment, especially for mental health, including social stigma, marginalization and discrimination of racialized communities.
Wait times and the ongoing global pandemic have only worsened the situation, she adds.
“Walking is fairly accessible and the great thing is, you can do it with your baby,” said Marc Mitchell from the Faculty of Health Sciences. “If you can get out three or four times a week for half-an-hour or even 15 minutes a day with your baby in a stroller, our findings show it could make a really big difference in how you feel.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.