More than the baby blues
Many new parents have a few weeks of tearfulness and mood swings after birth, often called the baby blues. Postpartum depression is different: it's stronger, lasts longer, and can make it hard to enjoy things, sleep even when the baby sleeps, or feel like yourself.
It can start during pregnancy or any time in the first year after birth, and it affects about 1 in 7 mothers. Partners can have it too.
About this self-check
The ten questions are the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), one of the most widely used screeners during and after pregnancy. Each question has its own set of answers.
Your answers stay in your browser. Saycalm doesn't see or store them, and only sends them anywhere if you ask us to email you your results.
The questions
Each one asks about the past 7 days. The answers are different for each question.
- 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
Common questions
Is postpartum depression my fault?
No. It's caused by a mix of hormonal changes, sleep loss, stress, and personal history, not by anything you did or didn't do. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent.
Can I get treatment while breastfeeding?
Yes. Therapy is safe and effective, and several antidepressants are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Your doctor can go through the options with you.
Can partners or adoptive parents take this?
The EPDS was designed for birthing parents, but it's also been used with partners. Anyone adjusting to a new baby can have depression, and the same help applies.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Cox, J.L., Holden, J.M., and Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry 150:782–786. © 1987 The Royal College of Psychiatrists. Used for screening only; not a diagnosis.
