During your pregnancy there will be a lot of focus on you and your baby and how things are developing. Your doctor will measure your belly, listen for a heart beat and through ultrasound, take a picture of your developing baby. Even though your physical health and your baby's health is important, your mental health is important too.

Life is not easy. Whether pregnant or not, being a teen is hard. There are many things that could stress you like exams, your peers and getting along with your parents. Add a baby into the equation and WHAM…that's a lot to deal with. You may have support from family and friends whom you can talk to about how you are feeling. It is important to let them know what you need (whether it is a back rub to relieve back ache or a birth partner to attend prenatal class with you). If you don't have any one to talk to, try talking to your guidance counselor at school, a public health nurse or a trusted teacher. These people can help you link up to different supports in the community.

If you are experiencing extreme teariness, sadness, feelings of hopelessness or feeling like you're not coping well, please talk to your doctor or public health nurse. You can also contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-866-281-2911.

There are many different ways to deal with stress, some are positive and helpful and others are negative and harmful. The key to managing your stress is to find out what relaxes you and what you enjoy and keep to it. Here is a list of helpful and harmful ways to try to manage your stress.

Harmful

• Violence, physical abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Misuse of alcohol & drugs
• Avoidance, running away
• Denial
• Bottling up emotions
• Taking it out on others

Helpful

• Make a schedule
• Make a list
• Say no, if you can
• Ask for help
• Get enough sleep
• Eat right
• Take deep breaths
• Play a sport
• Listen to music
• Talk to someone, friend, family, Counselor, teacher
• Get a massage
• Use muscle relaxation
• Use visualization
• Laugh
• Go for a walk
• Read a book