Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Changes

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 new moms and 1 in 10 new dads.

Click here to take an online self-assessment

Consider the Following Questions:

• Are you feeling sad or depressed?

• Do you feel more irritable or angry with those around you?

• Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?

• Do you feel anxious or panicky?

• Are you having problems eating or sleeping?

• Are you having upsetting thoughts that you can't get out of your mind?

• Do you feel as if you are "out of control" or "going crazy"?

• Do you feel like you never should have become a mother?

• Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?

Any of these symptoms, and many more, could indicate that you have some type of perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, such as postpartum depression. Seek support immediately from a trusted professional to prevent the worsening of symptoms. There's no reason to suffer, you will get better.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a set of 10 screening questions that can indicate whether you have symptoms that are common in women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy and up to one year following the birth of a child. This is not a tool to provide diagnosis. Share your results with a health care provider.