Postpartum Depression And Self Evaluation
Could you have postpartum depression?
If you recently had a baby, you may be experiencing mood swings and cry or feel angry. Your feelings may be normal. However, if your feelings worsen or continue for more than a week or two, it could be signs of postpartum depression.
Using the questions below, think about how you’ve felt in the past 7 days, not how you feel today.
The answers to these questions can help your provider identify if you have typical postpartum changes in mood or more serious symptoms of depression or anxiety that may require further attention.
- Do you still laugh and see the funny side of things?
- Do you look forward to things with enjoyment?
- If things are going wrong, do you blame yourself unnecessarily?
- Have you been anxious or worried for no good reason?
- Do you have feelings of fear or panic for no good reason?
- Are you getting upset over things and lashing out at others?
- Are you having difficulty sleeping?
- Do you feel sad most of the time?
- Have you been crying when you're feeling sad?
- Have you thought of harming yourself?
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) is a widely used screening tool designed to help identify symptoms of postpartum depression in new mothers.
Source: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) J. L. Cox, J.M. Holden, R. Sagovsky From: British Journal of Psychiatry (1987), 150, 782-786.)
Next Steps
If you answered yes or sometimes to most of the questions, or if you have feelings of anxiety or fear for no good reason, those could be signs of postpartum depression or anxiety. If you have concerns about depression or anxiety, please call your doctor and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
However, if you mostly answered no or if you’re not having feelings of anxiety or fear for no good reason, then you could just be going through normal postpartum changes.
Being a mother can be a new and stressful experience. Steps you can take to care for yourself include:
- Getting sleep—nap when the baby naps
- Asking friends and family for help
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Eating a good diet
- Getting exercise, even if it’s just walking outside
Get help
You are encouraged to attend any of our upcoming education sessions.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are worried that you might harm yourself or your baby, please tell a loved one and call your doctor right away. You can also go to the emergency department to get immediate support.
These feelings can accompany depression, but you shouldn’t try to suffer through them on your own. Help is available.
920-288-4060 - Emergency department
920-288-8400 - Women's Center