Do You Have Postpartum Depression?

After having a baby, you may notice changes in your mood. For some people this is the "baby blues." However, for up 30% of new moms, mood fluctuations could indicate postpartum depression, which is a more serious form of depression. Take this quiz if you are wondering if your symptoms could indicate something more serious. Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed or concerned at all about how you are feeling, please reach out to a healthcare professional. A professional can do a thorough screening for you and help connect you to resources that can help.

Instructions:

In the following quiz, please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS, not just how you feel today.

1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.

Yes, all the time

Yes, most of the time

No, not very often

No, not at all

2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.

As much as I ever did

Not quite so much now

Definitely less than I used to

Hardly at all

3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.

Yes, most of the time

Yes, some of the time

Not very often

No, never

4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.

No, not at all

Hardly ever

Yes, sometimes

Yes, very often

5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason.

Yes, quite a lot

Yes, sometimes

No, not much

No, not at all

6. Things have been getting on top of me.

Yes, most of the time I haven't been able to cope at all

Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual

No, most of the time I have coped quite well

No, I have been coping as well as ever

7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.

Yes, most of the time

Yes, sometimes

Not very often

No, not at all

8. I have felt sad or miserable.

Yes, most of the time

Yes, quite often

Not very often

No, not at all

9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.

Yes, most of the time

Yes, quite often

Only occasionally

No, never

10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me.

Yes, quite often

Sometimes

Hardly ever

Never

Please fill in the comment box below.

Be sure to click Submit Quiz to see your results!

Name Email Phone Number

Cox J, Holden J, Sagovsky R. (1987) Detection of postnatal depression: development of the 10-item Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Brit J Psychiatry 150: 782-86. Developed as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and validated for use in both pregnancy and in the postnatal period to assess for possible depression and anxiety.

Thoughts of suicide, harming yourself or your baby can accompany depression and anxiety. If you are feeling this way, it is important to consult your doctor, local hospital, 911, or call a suicide hotline for emergency support. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: LifeLine1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)