Feeling tearful, exhausted and overwhelmed in the weeks after having a baby is common. When low mood, anxiety or a sense of not coping lasts more than two weeks, or makes it hard to care for yourself or your baby, it may be postpartum depression. This self-assessment covers the experiences clinicians ask about when they screen new parents. Answer about the past two weeks.
This self-assessment is for information only. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot replace an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or you are hearing or seeing things others do not, get help now: call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Postpartum psychosis is rare but is a medical emergency.
Postpartum Depression Self-Assessment
In the past two weeks, have you:
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- Felt sad, empty or hopeless most of the day, on most days?
- Been unable to laugh or look forward to things the way you used to?
- Blamed yourself unnecessarily when things went wrong, or felt like a bad parent?
- Felt anxious or worried for no clear reason, or had waves of panic?
- Felt so overwhelmed that things were getting on top of you and you could not cope?
- Had trouble sleeping even when your baby was asleep, or slept far more than usual?
- Felt disconnected from your baby, or found it hard to feel love or interest?
- Lost your appetite, or eaten much more than usual?
- Had trouble concentrating or making simple decisions?
- Had thoughts that you or your family would be better off without you, or thoughts of harming yourself?
What Your Answers May Mean
The “baby blues” affect most new mothers and fade on their own within about two weeks of delivery. Symptoms that last longer, that are getting worse, or that include several “yes” answers above, particularly to questions 5, 7 or 10, are worth raising with your obstetrician, midwife, pediatrician or primary care provider. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose postpartum depression, and screening is a routine part of postpartum care. Postpartum depression can also begin during pregnancy or any time in the first year after birth, and it affects partners and adoptive parents as well.
What Postpartum Depression Is
Postpartum (or perinatal) depression is a major depressive episode that begins during pregnancy or in the year after childbirth. About 1 in 8 women in the United States report symptoms after giving birth. Rapid hormonal changes, sleep loss, a history of depression or anxiety, limited support and a stressful birth all raise the risk. It is a medical condition, not a character flaw or a sign of being a bad parent, and it responds well to treatment. Learn more about postpartum depression.
How Postpartum Depression Is Treated
- Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which are first-line treatments
- Medication, including antidepressants that are compatible with breastfeeding and newer medications developed specifically for postpartum depression, chosen with your prescriber
- Support: sleep protection, help with infant care, peer support groups and involving your partner or family
- Higher levels of care, such as intensive outpatient or inpatient treatment, when symptoms are severe, when safety is a concern, or when alcohol or drugs are being used to cope
See inpatient mental health treatment and online counseling.
Want to talk to someone about your results? Our admissions team can arrange a confidential assessment with a licensed clinician and explain treatment options, from outpatient therapy to inpatient care. Verify your insurance or call any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is postpartum depression different from the baby blues?
Baby blues are mild, start within days of delivery and resolve within about two weeks. Postpartum depression is more intense, lasts longer and interferes with daily functioning and bonding.
Can postpartum depression start months after birth?
Yes. Onset can occur any time in the first year after delivery, and symptoms sometimes begin during pregnancy.
Can fathers and partners get postpartum depression?
Yes. Roughly 1 in 10 fathers experience depression in the first year after a child is born, especially when the mother is also depressed.
Is it safe to take antidepressants while breastfeeding?
Many antidepressants are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Your prescriber will weigh the options with you; untreated depression also carries risks for parent and baby.
Does insurance cover treatment for postpartum depression?
Under federal parity law, most plans cover mental health treatment comparably to medical care. Verify your coverage in minutes.
