Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Self-Check

A brief 10-question self-check adapted from widely-used perinatal mental health screening questions. About 1 in 8 women who recently gave birth experience symptoms of postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety is also common. The last question asks about thoughts of self-harm; if that applies to you at all, please call or text 988 today.

What this self-check covers

You will rate how often each of the following has applied to you over the last 2 weeks:

  1. Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you felt unable to enjoy the things you used to look forward to?
  2. How often have you blamed yourself unnecessarily when things have gone wrong?
  3. How often have you felt anxious or worried for little obvious reason?
  4. How often have you felt scared or panicky for little obvious reason?
  5. How often have you felt overwhelmed and unable to cope with day-to-day things?
  6. How often have you had trouble sleeping because you've felt unhappy or worried — beyond what your baby's schedule explains?
  7. How often have you felt sad, low, or miserable for much of the day?
  8. How often have you been so unhappy that you've been crying?
  9. How often have you felt disconnected from your baby or unable to bond the way you expected?
  10. How often have thoughts of harming yourself, or that you'd be better off not here, crossed your mind?

How results are interpreted

Each answer is scored 0 (Not at all / Never) to 4 (Constantly / Very Often). Your total score maps to one of four reflection tiers:

  • Low concern. Your responses suggest few of the symptoms commonly associated with postpartum depression or anxiety. The postpartum period is a major adjustment — continuing to protect sleep, support, and time for yourself matters even when things feel manageable.
  • Some concerns. Your responses suggest mild to moderate postpartum mood or anxiety symptoms. Many new parents experience this; talking with a clinician can help you decide whether support, therapy, or medication would be useful.
  • Consider reaching out. Your responses suggest moderate to significant postpartum mood or anxiety symptoms that may be affecting your daily life or your relationship with your baby. Please consider scheduling an evaluation soon. If question 10 (thoughts of self-harm) applies to you at all, please reach out today — call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Professional evaluation recommended. Your responses suggest significant postpartum mood or anxiety symptoms that warrant a clinical evaluation. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please get help right now — call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. You are not alone, and treatment works.

Your privacy

Your answers stay in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server, stored, or shared, and no protected health information (PHI) is captured. Using this tool does not create a provider-patient relationship.

If your reflections suggest seeking care

SLS Psychiatry offers comprehensive adult psychiatric evaluations in person in Southlake, Texas, and via telehealth across Texas. A real evaluation considers your full history, medical context, and goals — far beyond what any self-check can measure. To request an appointment, visit our Contact page or call (817) 203-3721.