Mental health care put under microscope since death of mother and two kids

To those who were close to her, 32-year-old Lisa Gibson was a kind and loving mother to her two children, Nicholas and Anna.

While no details have been disclosed by Gibson’s immediate family, relatives have painted a picture of a young mother struggling with postpartum depression and possibly psychosis.

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The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has not said whether Gibson sought or received treatment for a mental illness.

However, postpartum psychosis is a rare and severe form of depression suffered by mothers one or two times per 1,000 births.

“We are also considering most of the time we don’t encounter tragic situations where there is suicide or the death of children in that,” said WRHA clinical psychologist Dr. Carrie Lionberg.

Winnipeg mother Debra Ford, who is currently suffering from deep depression, said there are not enough resources available, and in a timely matter, for mothers who need help.

Ford has suffered baby blues and different degrees of depression with each of her five children.

Her daughter, Aaliyah, died from sudden infant death syndrome in January 2011 when she was just nine weeks old.

Through a Manitoba Family First program, Ford was able to receive five sessions with a psychiatrist, but said it wasn’t enough.

“You go for five sessions and you see a psychiatrist and after five sessions, they tell you everything is done and there is nothing more they can do for you,” said Ford.

Ford has continued to seek help since then, but has been on a wait list for the past 2.5 years.

The WRHA said there are a number of outlets for mothers and families who may be suffering from mental health problems but more work needs to be done.

“The ratio of psychologists available per capita in the province of Manitoba is one of the lowest in the country,” said Lionberg.