Walking may reduce postpartum depression symptoms

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant countless women are looking beyond harder-to-access, traditional postpartum depression (PPD) treatment options - like psychiatry and medication - and finding that physical activity could be key. A new Western study suggests brisk walking - 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. 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. This first-of-its-kind study, published today by Journal of Women's Health , was led by Western undergraduate student Veronica Pentland and assistant professor Marc Mitchell from the Faculty of Health Sciences. "PPD can have major effects on a woman's mental health, but also on the child's development," said Pentland. "If you are depressed, it's harder to care for yourself and, by extension, your child." 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.