Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
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Postpartum depression (also called postnatal depression) is more than just the “baby blues” – it’s a serious mental health condition that affects up to 1 in 7 Australian mothers. While baby blues typically resolve within two weeks, postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first year after birth and requires professional support. This free screening test is designed for new mothers who have recently given birth and takes just 3-5 minutes to complete. Based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the gold standard screening tool used by Australian healthcare providers, this test can help you understand your mental wellbeing during this significant life transition.
Important Disclaimer: This is a screening tool only, not a medical diagnosis. Postpartum depression is highly treatable with the right support. Please discuss your results with your GP, child and family health nurse, or maternal health professional. If you’re experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek immediate help by calling 000 or visiting your nearest Emergency Department. Your responses are completely anonymous and confidential.
How to Complete This Screening:
Answer each question based on how you’ve been feeling over the past 7 days, not just today. Think about your recent emotional state and choose the answer that comes closest to describing your experience. Be honest with yourself – there are no right or wrong answers, and your truthful responses will provide the most accurate assessment. Make sure to answer all questions for a complete screening. This tool can be used during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth.
I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things:
I have looked forward with enjoyment to things:
I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong:
I have been anxious or worried for no good reason:
I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason:
Things have been getting on top of me:
I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping:
I have felt sad or miserable:
I have been so unhappy that I have been crying:
The thought of harming myself has occurred to me:
If you answered anything other than “Never” to this question, please speak to a healthcare professional immediately or contact emergency services.
Each answer is assigned a score from 0-3 points, with the total score ranging from 0-30 points. Your score helps indicate the likelihood of postpartum depression:
Score Interpretation:
Critical: Any response to Question 10 (self-harm thoughts) other than “Never” requires immediate professional attention, regardless of your total score.
What this means: Your responses suggest you’re unlikely to be experiencing postpartum depression. However, it’s completely normal to experience some difficult emotions after having a baby, and adjusting to motherhood takes time.
Remember: Baby blues affect most new mothers (50-80% of Australian women). These feelings typically resolve within two weeks after birth. If your symptoms worsen or persist beyond this timeframe, seek advice from your GP or child and family health nurse. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical recovery.
Support yourself: Rest whenever your baby sleeps, ask for help from family and friends without guilt, connect with other new parents through local mothers’ groups, and be kind to yourself – adjusting to parenthood takes time and patience.
What this means: Your responses suggest you may be experiencing postpartum depression. This is a common and treatable condition affecting thousands of Australian mothers each year – you’re not alone.
Next steps: Book an appointment with your GP or child and family health nurse as soon as possible. Bring your test results to discuss during the appointment. Be honest about how you’re feeling, even if it feels difficult to articulate. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.
Know that: Postpartum depression is not your fault, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother, treatment is effective and available through Medicare, and many Australian mothers experience this condition and recover fully with proper support.
What this means: Your responses strongly suggest postpartum depression. This is a serious but highly treatable condition that requires professional support. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Take action now: Contact your GP or child and family health nurse as soon as possible. Explain that you’re struggling with postnatal mental health and request an urgent appointment if needed. Don’t try to cope alone – professional support makes a significant difference.
If you’re in crisis: If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, feeling unable to cope, or need immediate support, call 000 or visit your nearest Emergency Department. You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306.
Postpartum depression (also called postnatal depression or PND) is a type of depression that many Australian parents experience after having a baby. Unlike the “baby blues” which typically last a few days to two weeks, postpartum depression lasts longer (weeks to months if untreated), has more severe symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, and requires professional treatment to overcome.
Persistent sadness or low mood that doesn’t lift, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling disconnected, withdrawing from family and friends, overwhelming feelings of inadequacy or failure as a mother, excessive worry about your baby’s health or development, lack of energy or motivation to complete daily tasks, changes in appetite or sleep patterns (beyond normal newborn sleep disruption), difficulty concentrating or making simple decisions, and thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby (seek immediate help).
Previous history of depression or anxiety disorders, difficult pregnancy or traumatic birth experience, lack of practical or emotional support, financial stress or housing instability, relationship problems or domestic violence, history of trauma or abuse, family history of depression or mental illness, and unplanned pregnancy or mixed feelings about motherhood.
Postpartum depression is highly treatable, with most Australian mothers experiencing significant improvement with appropriate care. Treatment typically includes a combination of therapies tailored to your individual needs.
Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change negative thought patterns, interpersonal therapy focuses on relationship challenges, individual counselling provides a safe space to explore feelings, and group therapy with other new mothers offers peer support and reduces isolation.
Medication: Antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding (discuss options with your doctor), usually combined with talking therapy for best outcomes, typically take 2-4 weeks before you notice improvement, and are often covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
Support Services: Child and family health nurse support for ongoing monitoring, perinatal mental health services for specialist care, mother and baby units for severe cases requiring intensive support, and support groups for new mothers throughout Australia.
Self-Care Strategies: Rest whenever possible (sleep deprivation worsens depression), accept help from others without guilt, engage in gentle exercise when cleared by your doctor (walking with the pram counts), maintain healthy eating habits, connect with other parents through playgroups or online communities, and be patient with yourself during recovery.
Your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse: First point of contact for postnatal mental health concerns. Bulk-billing options available.
Perinatal Mental Health Services: Specialist support during pregnancy and after birth, available through public hospitals and community health centres.
National Support Organisations:
Crisis Support:
If someone you care about is experiencing postpartum depression, your support can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.
What you can do: Listen without judgement and validate their feelings, encourage them to seek professional help and offer to attend appointments, help with practical tasks like cooking, cleaning, and childcare, give them time to rest and recover, reassure them they’re doing well as a parent, be patient as recovery takes time (typically several weeks to months), and take their feelings seriously even if they seem disproportionate to you.
What not to say: “Just snap out of it” (depression isn’t a choice), “You should be happy – you have a baby” (minimises their struggle), “Other people have it worse” (invalidates their experience), or “You’re being dramatic” (dismisses genuine symptoms).
Look after yourself too: Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally and physically challenging. Make sure you also have support from friends, family, or a counsellor, and take breaks when needed to maintain your own wellbeing.
This screening is based on: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the internationally validated and most widely used screening tool for postnatal depression in Australia.
Reference: Cox, J.L., Holden, J.M., and Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 150(6), 782-786.
Important disclaimer: This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace professional medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, seek immediate help by calling 000 or visiting your nearest Emergency Department. Postpartum depression is treatable with proper support. This tool is for informational purposes only. We do not store personal health information and comply with Australian Privacy Principles.