Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression

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

As much as I always could = 0  
Not quite so much now = 1  
Definitely not so much now = 2  
Not at all = 3  

2.  I have looked forward with enjoyment to things 

As much as I ever did = 0  
Rather less than I used to = 1  
Definitely less than I used to = 2  
Hardly at all = 3  

3.  I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong 

Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, some of the time = 2
Not very often = 1
No, never = 0

4.  I have been anxious or worried for no good reason 

No, not at all = 0  
Hardly ever = 1  
Yes, sometimes = 2  
Yes, very often = 3  

5.  I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason 

Yes, quite a lot = 3
Yes, sometimes = 2
No, not much = 1
No, not at all = 0

6.  Things have been getting on top of me

Yes, most of the time I haven’t been able to cope = 3
Yes, sometimes I haven’t been coping as well as usual = 2
No, most of the time I have coped quite well = 1
No, I have been coping as well as ever = 0

7.  I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping 

Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, sometimes = 2
Not very often = 1
No, not at all = 0

8.  I have felt sad or miserable 

Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, quite often = 2
Not very often = 1
No, not at all = 0

9.  I have been so unhappy that I have been crying 

Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, quite often = 2
Only occasionally = 1
No, never = 0

10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me 

Yes, quite often = 3
Sometimes = 2
Hardly ever = 1
Never = 0

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale results 

Add up your scores for each answer, if your total is 10 points or more, speak to your HCP. But bear in mind, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is just a guide so if you experience any feelings of depression after having a child or you’re concerned about any signs of baby blues, it’s always best to seek professional help. 

In a recent survey supported by Nestlé, with 8,000 new parents in 16 different countries, over a quarter of moms reported suffering from baby blues—so you are not alone. (Learn more at www.theparentingindex.com) It can really help to talk—to friends and family, and your HCP will be able to put you in touch with postpartum depression counselling services and postpartum support groups if you need it. You can also search online for helplines run by trusted charities and read our checklist on coping with baby blues [LINK TO COPING WITH BABY BLUES] for more help. Being a parent is the toughest job in the world, so get the support you need so you can be your best self your little one, and remember, “This too shall pass.” You’ve got this.