After Your Stillbirth

When to Get Help

It’s hard to ask for help. Sometimes when you feel overwhelmed, sad, or just unable to enjoy the things you usually enjoy, it can lead to feeling isolated and possibly even depression. Some signs that you or your partner could benefit from counselling are if you:

break into tears unexpectedly months after your loss
don’t feel able to get out of bed or do things you normally enjoy
sleep too much or too little
feel numb or withdraw from your partner, family, or friends
often work beyond your normal schedule

drink more alcohol than usual or use other substances
have extreme or sudden changes of behaviour
continue to have physical symptoms like pain
focus on events around the loss
feel overwhelming anger or agitation
excessive spending or gambling

Current as of: April 19, 2019

Author: Maternal Newborn Child and Youth Strategic Clinical Network, AHS

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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