Postpartum depression is a common mental condition experienced by new mothers after giving birth. It is estimated that up to 20% of women may experience postpartum depression, and it can have serious effects on both the mother and baby.

Postpartum depression involves feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that interfere with a new mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby.

While many women experience some level of the “baby blues” after giving birth, postpartum depression is a more severe and prolonged form of this condition.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed after giving birth, you may be wondering if you have postpartum depression. One way to find out is to take a self-assessment test.

What is a postpartum depression self-assessment test?

A postpartum depression self-assessment test is a set of questions designed to help you understand whether you may be experiencing postpartum depression. The test can be completed online or on paper, and typically takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.

While a self-assessment test can’t diagnose postpartum depression, it can help you determine if you should seek further evaluation from a healthcare provider.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, it’s important to get support and treatment as soon as possible.

How to take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used self-assessment test for postpartum depression. The EPDS consists of 10 questions that ask about your mood, thoughts, and feelings over the past 7 days.

To take the EPDS:.

Download and print the EPDS
Answer each question honestly, using the scale provided at the end of the questionnaire
Add up your scores for each question
Refer to the score interpretation at the end of the questionnaire to determine if you may be experiencing postpartum depression

Note that the EPDS is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, it’s important to seek support from a healthcare provider.

EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)

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

As much as I always could
Not quite so much now
Definitely not so much now
Not at all

I have looked forward with enjoyment to things:

As much as I ever did
Rather less than I used to
Definitely less than I used to
Hardly at all

I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong:

Yes, most of the time
Yes, some of the time
Not very often
No, never

I have been anxious or worried for no good reason:

No, not at all
Hardly ever
Yes, sometimes
Yes, very often

I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason:

Yes, quite a lot
Yes, sometimes
No, not much
No, not at all

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

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

I have felt sad or miserable:

Yes, most of the time
Yes, sometimes
Not very often
No, not at all

I have been so unhappy that I have been crying:

Yes, most of the time
Yes, quite often
Only occasionally
No, never

The thought of harming myself has occurred to me:

Yes, quite often
Sometimes
Hardly ever
Never

To interpret your scores:.

A score of 0-9 indicates no depression or minimal symptoms
A score of 10-12 indicates mild depression
A score of 13-15 indicates moderate depression
A score of 16 or higher indicates severe depression

If you have concerns about your score, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Postpartum depression is a treatable condition, and seeking support can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.

When to seek help

If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Postpartum depression can have serious effects on both you and your baby, including:.

Difficulty bonding with your baby
Lack of interest in caring for your baby
Difficulty sleeping or eating
Physical symptoms such as headaches or chest pain
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you’re worried about your mental health, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

They can help you get the support and treatment you need to feel better.

Conclusion

Postpartum depression is a common condition experienced by new mothers, but it’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek help as soon as possible.

Taking a self-assessment test like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) can help you determine if you may be experiencing postpartum depression, and getting support from a healthcare provider can help you get back to enjoying your new role as a mother.