Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
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Becoming a mother is a profound life change that brings joy alongside significant challenges. While many new mothers experience “baby blues,” temporary mood swings and tearfulness that resolve within two weeks-postpartum depression (PPD) is a more serious condition affecting up to 1 in 7 new mothers. Unlike baby blues, PPD involves persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your baby. It can occur anytime within the first year after birth, not just immediately following delivery.
This screening test is designed for new mothers who have recently given birth and are concerned about their emotional well-being. Taking just 3-5 minutes to complete, this assessment is based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a widely recognized and validated screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide.
Important Disclaimer:
This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Postpartum depression is highly treatable with proper support, therapy, and sometimes medication. Please discuss your results with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance. Your responses are anonymous and confidential. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek immediate help by calling 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or going to your nearest emergency room.
Instructions
To complete this screening accurately, please answer all questions based on how you have been feeling over the past 7 days, not just today. Reflect on your recent emotional state and experiences as a whole. Choose the answer that comes closest to describing your feelings, even if it doesn’t match perfectly. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers—honesty is essential for meaningful results. This screening is designed to help you understand your emotional well-being, so please respond to all questions. This assessment can be used during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth, making it a valuable tool throughout your perinatal journey.
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 call 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or 911.
Each answer is assigned a score from 0-3 points depending on which response you selected. The total score ranges from 0-30 points.
Score interpretation:
Important: 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 at this time. However, it’s completely normal to experience some difficult emotions, exhaustion, and adjustment challenges after having a baby.
Remember: Baby blues affect most new mothers (50-80%) and are characterised by mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically resolve within two weeks postpartum. If your symptoms worsen or persist beyond two weeks, seek advice from your healthcare provider. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical recovery.
Support yourself: Rest whenever your baby sleeps, even if it’s just for short periods. Ask for help from family and friends—accepting support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Connect with other new parents through local parent groups or online communities. Be kind to yourself and remember that adjusting to motherhood takes time, and there’s no “perfect” way to do it.
What this means: Your responses suggest you may be experiencing postpartum depression. This is a common and highly treatable medical condition affecting many Canadian mothers each year—you’re not alone, and help is available.
Next steps: Book an appointment with your family doctor, obstetrician, or midwife as soon as possible. Bring your test results to discuss your symptoms openly. Be completely honest about how you’re feeling, including any thoughts that concern you. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse—early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Know that: Postpartum depression is not your fault and is caused by a combination of hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and life adjustment. It absolutely doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother or that you don’t love your baby. Treatment is highly effective and available through Canada’s healthcare system. Many mothers experience postpartum depression, including public figures who have shared their stories to reduce stigma.
What this means: Your responses strongly suggest postpartum depression. This is a serious but treatable medical condition that requires professional support and intervention. Taking this test is an important first step toward getting the help you need and deserve.
Take action now: Contact your family doctor, obstetrician, or midwife as soon as possible—today if you can. Explain that you’re struggling with postpartum mental health and that you need support. Request an urgent appointment if needed, and don’t minimise your symptoms. Don’t try to cope alone or wait for things to improve on their own—professional treatment significantly improves outcomes and recovery time.
If you’re in crisis: If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, feeling completely unable to cope, or need immediate support, call 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) available 24/7 across Canada. You can also call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Contact your provincial mental health crisis line for immediate support.
Postpartum depression (also called postnatal depression) is a type of clinical depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It’s a medical condition, not a personal failure or weakness. Unlike the “baby blues” which affect up to 80% of new mothers and typically last a few days to two weeks, postpartum depression is more serious. PPD lasts longer, often persisting for weeks to months if left untreated, and has more severe symptoms that significantly impact daily life. It interferes with your ability to function normally, affecting work, relationships, and bonding with your baby, and it requires professional treatment to resolve.
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or low mood that doesn’t lift. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you previously enjoyed, including time with your baby. Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling emotionally disconnected. Withdrawing from family and friends or isolating yourself. Overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, or being a “bad mother.” Excessive worry about your baby’s health and safety or, conversely, lack of interest. Lack of energy, extreme fatigue, or motivation to do even basic tasks. Changes in appetite (eating much more or less) or sleep patterns beyond normal newborn disruption. Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things. In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby—if you experience this, seek immediate help.
Research has identified several factors that increase the risk of developing postpartum depression. Previous history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions significantly increases risk. A difficult pregnancy, traumatic birth experience, or complications during delivery can trigger PPD. Lack of practical or emotional support from partners, family, or friends leaves new mothers vulnerable. Financial stress or instability adds significant pressure during an already challenging time. Relationship problems or domestic violence create additional stressors. History of trauma or abuse, particularly childhood trauma, increases susceptibility. Family history of depression or postpartum depression suggests genetic vulnerability. However, postpartum depression can affect anyone, even without these risk factors.
Postpartum depression is highly treatable, and most women experience significant improvement with appropriate care available through Canada’s healthcare system. The most effective approach often combines multiple treatment methods tailored to your specific needs and situation.
Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships and life changes associated with becoming a parent. Individual counselling provides one-on-one support to process emotions and develop coping strategies. Group therapy with other new mothers offers peer support and reduces feelings of isolation, helping you realise you’re not alone.
Medication: Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are often prescribed and are safe during breastfeeding—discuss options thoroughly with your doctor. Medication is usually most effective when combined with therapy for comprehensive treatment. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to feel the full effects, so patience is important during initial treatment.
Support Services: Public health nurses and home visiting programmes provide postpartum support across Canada. Many provinces offer specialised perinatal mental health services. Mother-baby programmes at some hospitals provide intensive support while keeping you together with your infant. Support groups for new mothers available through community health centres and family resource centres.
Self-Care Strategies: Rest whenever possible, even if household tasks go undone—sleep deprivation worsens depression. Accept help from others for meals, cleaning, and childcare—you don’t have to do everything alone. Gentle exercise when cleared by your doctor releases mood-boosting endorphins. Healthy eating supports both physical recovery and mental health. Connect with other parents through local groups, community centres, or online communities. Be patient with yourself—recovery is a process, not an event.
Your Family Doctor or Midwife: Your first point of contact for postnatal mental health concerns. They can screen you, prescribe medication, and provide referrals to specialists.
Provincial and Territorial Health Services: Each province/territory offers maternal mental health support:
National Resources:
Provincial Crisis Lines: Each province has mental health crisis lines available 24/7—contact your provincial health information line (e.g., 811 Health Link in many provinces).
Healthcare Coverage: Mental health services are covered under Canada’s universal healthcare system. Counselling and therapy may be covered through provincial plans, community health centres, or private insurance. Medications are covered under provincial drug plans or private insurance.
If someone you care about is experiencing postpartum depression, your support can make a significant difference in their recovery. Understanding how to help—and what to avoid—is crucial for providing meaningful support.
What you can do: Listen without judgement when they want to talk about their feelings. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to make appointments or go with them. Help with practical tasks like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and childcare to reduce their burden. Give them time to rest, shower, or have time alone to recharge. Reassure them they’re doing well as a parent, even when they doubt themselves. Be patient and understanding—recovery takes time and isn’t linear. Take their feelings seriously, even if they seem disproportionate to you.
What not to say: Avoid phrases like “Just snap out of it” or “Think positive”—depression isn’t a choice. Never say “You should be happy—you have a healthy baby”—this increases guilt and shame. Don’t compare them to others with “Other people have it worse”—pain isn’t a competition. Avoid “You’re being dramatic” or dismissing their very real medical condition.
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. Take breaks when needed—you can’t pour from an empty cup. Consider joining a support group for partners of those with postpartum depression.
This screening is based on: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
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 licensed healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, seek immediate help by calling 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), 911, or going to your nearest hospital emergency department. Postpartum depression is a treatable medical condition. This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not store or collect personal health information, ensuring your privacy is protected in accordance with Canadian privacy laws and PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).