How to Screen Yourself for Postpartum Depression

May is Mental Health Month. As childbirth education advocates, Lamaze believes that mental health during and after pregnancy is critical to the health and safety of moms and their babies. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, or any other mental health issues, contact your care provider and seek support and resources from Postpartum Progress and Postpartum Support International. You don't have to suffer alone -- and you don't have to suffer. There is support and treatment available for mental health disorders. Also know that you are not alone -- it has been found that 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression, though that rate is thought to be higher for all postpartum disorders.

So how do you know if you are experiencing a postpartum disorder? Many moms downplay or dismiss their feelings, chalking them up to "hormones," but it's important to take notice and check in with yourself. A postpartum disorder is more than just a "bad day," and even if you feel as though you are coping, a postpartum disorder ultimately affects your quality of life. If you feel as though something is "off" or if your partner expresses concern about your state of well-being, you can take a free, quick, confidential, online screening quiz to determine whether you may be suffering from postpartum depression.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) was developed in 1987 to help doctors determine whether a mother may be suffering from postpartum depression. The scale has since been validated, and evidence from a number of research studies has confirmed the tool to be both reliable and sensitive in detecting depression. The EPDS Score is designed to assist -- not replace -- clinical judgment. If you feel you may be at risk or suffering from post natal depression, please share the results with your care provider.

Published: May 14, 2013

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