Postpartum Depression Test
You were supposed to feel joy. And maybe you do, sometimes — but underneath it there's something else. Exhaustion that goes beyond sleep deprivation. A sadness that doesn't lift. Feeling disconnected from your baby, or from yourself. Wondering if you made a terrible mistake. Feeling like you're failing at the one thing you were supposed to do.
These feelings are not a reflection of your love for your child. They are symptoms of a medical condition — postpartum depression — that affects 1 in 7 new mothers. It is not your fault. And it is treatable.
This free screening uses the PHQ-9, validated for use in the perinatal period. Your answers are scored entirely in your browser. Nothing is stored or shared.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a 10-item screening specifically validated for postpartum mood disorders.
New parents in the postpartum period who are experiencing mood changes, anxiety, or difficulty coping.
Postpartum depression is common, not a character flaw, and highly treatable with proper support. This tool is for informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.
What Is the Postpartum Depression Test?
How Is the Postpartum Depression Test Scored?
What Do My Postpartum Depression Results Mean?
PHQ-9 Depression Self-Check
A widely used, validated screening questionnaire that helps you reflect on depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Your answers stay in your browser and are never stored.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Before you begin
This self-check uses the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated screening instrument developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, and Kroenke and placed in the public domain.
Please understand:
- This is not a diagnosis and does not replace professional evaluation.
- Results are educational only — they describe symptom levels, not clinical conditions.
- Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose or treat conditions.
- Your answers are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted.
- If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline now.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
| Feature | Baby Blues | Postpartum Depression |
|---|---|---|
| How common | Up to 80% of new mothers | About 1 in 7 (15%) |
| When it starts | Days 2–5 after birth | Any time in first year |
| How long it lasts | 1–2 weeks, resolves on its own | Weeks to months without treatment |
| Severity | Mild mood swings, tearfulness | Significant impairment in daily life |
| Treatment needed | Support, rest, time | Therapy, medication, professional support |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues are extremely common — affecting up to 80% of new mothers — and typically involve mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety, and irritability in the first 1–2 weeks after birth. They resolve on their own as hormones stabilize. Postpartum depression (PPD) is more intense, lasts longer (beyond 2 weeks), and significantly interferes with daily functioning. PPD can develop any time in the first year after birth. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse rather than better, please speak with your OB-GYN or midwife.
How common is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers (about 15%). It is one of the most common complications of childbirth. It can also affect fathers and non-birthing partners (paternal postpartum depression affects about 10% of new fathers). Despite being common, PPD is frequently underdiagnosed because many mothers feel shame about not feeling happy after birth, or because symptoms are attributed to normal new-parent exhaustion.
Can postpartum depression start months after birth?
Yes. While PPD most commonly develops within the first few weeks to months after birth, it can develop at any point in the first year postpartum. Some mothers experience a delayed onset, particularly around the time they stop breastfeeding (due to hormonal changes) or return to work. If you are within the first year of giving birth and experiencing depression symptoms, postpartum depression is a possible explanation worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to take antidepressants while breastfeeding?
Several antidepressants are considered compatible with breastfeeding, including sertraline and paroxetine, which have low transfer into breast milk. This is a decision to make with your prescribing doctor or psychiatrist, who can weigh the risks and benefits for your specific situation. Untreated postpartum depression also carries risks — for you and for your baby's development. You don't have to choose between treating your depression and breastfeeding.
What should I do if my score suggests postpartum depression?
Contact your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care doctor as soon as possible. Postpartum depression is highly treatable with therapy (especially CBT and interpersonal therapy), medication, and support. Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net, 1-800-944-4773) offers a helpline, support groups, and a provider directory. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Can fathers or non-birthing partners get postpartum depression?
Yes. Paternal postpartum depression affects approximately 10% of new fathers, with rates highest in the 3–6 months after birth. Partners can experience depression, anxiety, irritability, and withdrawal. Risk factors include a partner with PPD, financial stress, relationship conflict, and lack of social support. This quiz can be used by any new parent, regardless of gender or birth role.
Crisis & Support Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 — helpline, support groups, provider directory
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
This screening is for educational purposes only — it is not a diagnosis. Only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose postpartum depression. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek immediate help. Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted.
Reviewed by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II).
Last reviewed: March 2026