Free or cheap resources for Moms with Anxiety or Depression in Metro Vancouver

Momming is hard business. Maybe your kids are in a hard stage. Maybe your work-life balance is out of whack. Maybe you don’t know what is making you feel extra stressed, down, or irritated. It is okay! Many moms go through anxiety or depression. There are programs out there that can help you get through this season and get back to feeling yourself. Here are some free or cheap programs to help if you are feeling anxious or depressed.

Free or cheap resources for Moms with anxiety or depression

Bounce Back

Bounce Back is a free program designed to help people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry. It consists of different workbook modules that are available online or through phone coaching. You will need to get a referral for this program, which you can get through a doctor or psychiatrist. The program is free and has low wait times, perfect for if you’re waiting to get in to see a counselor through Vancouver Coastal Health or Fraser Health.

Pacific Postpartum Support Society

If you have just had or are expecting a baby, you could be experiencing postpartum or antepartum depression. Pacific Postpartum Support Society offers telephone support and weekly support groups across the Lower Mainland. Free, onsite childcare is offered at the daytime groups. Groups are small at only 8 mothers to a group. For more information on locations and wait times, phone  604-255-7999.

Moving Forward Family Services

Moving Forward Family Services offers lower fee counseling in Vancouver, Surrey, and Abbotsford. Seeing a Clinical Counselor will cost you $50, or $65 for couples. Seeing a supervised intern will cost only $20. For more information, email [email protected] (preferred) or attend a drop-in intake session, held Sundays from 12 pm to 2 pm, at 103 – 12827 76th Avenue in Surrey (first come, first served). 

MindHealth

MindHealth BC is a resource website developed by Providence Health Care, Doctors of BC, and the Ministry of Health. Whether you are finding help for yourself or a loved one, they have an extensive list of mental health and substance use information and online self-help programs. They also have a screening test and links to community support services. 

Kelty’s Key

Kelty’s Key is free, online cognitive behavioural therapy for residents of Vancouver. They offer courses on anxiety, chronic pain, depression, grief, insomnia, panic, and substance use. They also offer a support course for family members. You can go at your own pace, and you aren’t restricted with class time. 

Depression and anxiety are hard. 1 in 4 Canadians experience mental illness of some kind; you are not alone. With the proper evidence-based resources, you can get back to feeling like your normal self. It is important to take time for self-care and tend to yourself during a bout of depression or anxiety. After all, a happy, healthy mom makes for happy, healthy kids!

Post by Brie Schwaho, the mind behind Happy Go Mama, a blog dedicated to the adventure of parenting through mental illness.