{"id":12243,"date":"2022-04-14T13:05:25","date_gmt":"2022-04-14T13:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/?p=12243"},"modified":"2022-06-10T04:04:04","modified_gmt":"2022-06-10T04:04:04","slug":"legal-rights-when-suffering-from-postpartum-depression-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/legal-rights-when-suffering-from-postpartum-depression-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal Rights When Suffering From Postpartum Depression in the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"

Motherhood is an exciting time for many people expecting a new addition to their family. After a gruelling pregnancy, the birth of a baby is sure to bring joy to any new parent and their loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, giving birth also comes with a new set of challenges, and for <\/span>23% of new moms<\/span><\/a> in Ontario and the rest of the country, one of these challenges includes postpartum depression. This condition could pose significant challenges, especially when maternity leave ends and the mother wishes to return to the workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

This post will outline the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and discuss possible accommodations you could ask for, including short-term disability benefits and long-term disability benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Postpartum Depression?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Although some people might misconstrue postpartum depression as simply a fancier name for “baby blues,” there is a significant difference between the two.<\/span><\/p>\n

The baby blues generally don\u2019t last long and involve mood swings, anxiety and spells of crying shortly after a mother gives birth. These feelings usually last for a few days to a week or two, after which you will most likely feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n

If depressive feelings or the baby blues persist or worsen, this might be a case of postpartum depression. As observed in new parents, postpartum depression is a type of major depression that is clinically similar to any other depressive episodes one may get in life. The only difference is that postpartum depression happens soon after a new mom gives birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some women also begin experiencing depression during pregnancy in a condition called prenatal or antenatal depression. This ongoing depression could very well lead to similar feelings postpartum.<\/span><\/p>\n

Employees who suffer from postpartum depression or other disabilities are often entitled to government <\/span>support programs<\/span><\/a> to help maintain a good quality of life for themselves and their postpartum baby.<\/span> <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression<\/b><\/h2>\n

There is no significant difference between regular depressive episodes and postpartum depression, except for when it occurs, which is after a mother gives birth. Both are mental illnesses that entitle one to medical help and <\/span>disability benefits<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Below are some of the main symptoms of postpartum depression.<\/span><\/p>\n