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:
<strong>I have been anxious or worr</strong>i<strong>ed for no good reason:</strong>
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:<br>If you answered anything other than “Never” to this question, please speak to a healthcare professional immediately or contact emergency services.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale assigns each answer a score from 0-3 points, with the total score ranging from 0-30. Understanding your score helps determine whether you may be experiencing postpartum depression and what steps to take next.
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. However, it’s completely normal to experience some difficult emotions after having a baby as you adjust to motherhood.
Remember:
Support yourself:
What this means: Your responses suggest you may be experiencing postpartum depression. This is a common and treatable condition affecting many mothers – you’re not alone in this struggle.
Next steps:
Know that:
What this means: Your responses strongly suggest postpartum depression. This is a serious but highly treatable condition that requires professional support to overcome.
Take action now:
If you’re in crisis:
Call emergency services (999) or go to A&E immediately
Postpartum depression (also called postnatal depression) is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. Unlike the “baby blues” which typically last a few days to two weeks, postpartum depression is more serious and persistent.
Key differences:
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing postpartum depression:
Understanding these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop postpartum depression, but awareness helps you recognize symptoms early and seek timely support.
Postpartum depression (also called postnatal depression) is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. Unlike the “baby blues” which typically last a few days to two weeks, postpartum depression is more serious and persistent.
Key differences:
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing postpartum depression:
Understanding these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop postpartum depression, but awareness helps you recognize symptoms early and seek timely support.
Postpartum depression is highly treatable with the right support and intervention. Treatment typically includes:
Talking Therapies:
Medication:
Support Services:
Self-Care Strategies:
Your GP or Health Visitor: First point of contact for postnatal mental health concerns
Perinatal Mental Health Services: Specialist support during pregnancy and after birth
National Charities:
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:
What not to say:
These phrases minimize their experience and can increase feelings of shame and isolation.
Look after yourself too: Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally and physically challenging. Make sure you also have support from friends, family, or professionals, and take breaks when needed to maintain your own well-being.
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 a professional medical evaluation. If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, seek immediate help by calling 999 or going to A&E. Postpartum depression is treatable with proper support and intervention. This tool is for informational purposes only. We do not store personal health information (GDPR compliant).