Postpartum depression and anxiety

I remembered I did a quiz in Dec to determine if I was on postpartum depression and I had no surprise.

This self-evaluation is based on the Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale, a test developed in 1987 to help practitioners determine whether a woman is suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) or anxiety. About 10 to 15 percent of women develop symptoms of depression or anxiety after having a baby. If you think you might be one of them, take this quiz and share the results with your healthcare provider.

Instructions: Answer the questions based on how you've felt in the past 7 days. 

Your results

Your score: 19 out of 27 points

It's likely you're suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety. Let your healthcare practitioner know about your symptoms. Ask for a referral to a counselor or therapist. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek help immediately.

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

a. As much as I always could (0 points)

b. Not quite so much now (1 point)

c. Definitely not so much now (2 points)

d. Not at all (3 points)

2. I've looked forward with enjoyment to things.

a. As much as I ever did (0 points)

b. Somewhat less than I used to (1 point)

c. Definitely less than I used to (2 points)

d. Hardly at all (3 points)

3. I've blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.

a. Most of the time (3 points)

b. Some of the time (2 points)

c. Not very often (1 point)

d. Not at all (0 points)

4. I've been anxious or worried for no good reason. 

a. Not at all (0 points)

b. Once or twice (1 point)

c. Several times (2 points)

d. Very often (3 points)

5. I've felt scared or panicky for no good reason.

a. Quite a lot (3 points)

b. Sometimes (2 points)

c. Not much (1 point)

d. Not at all (0 points)

6. I've been coping with things.

a. Not at all most of the time (3 points)

b. Not as well as usual (2 points)

c. Pretty well most of the time (1 point)

d. As well as ever (0 points)

7.  I've been so unhappy that I've had difficulty sleeping.

a. Most of the time (3 points)

b. Some of the time (2 points)

c. Not very often (1 point)

d. Not at all (0 points)

8. I've felt sad or miserable.

a. Most of the time (3 points)

b. Some of the time (2 points)

c. Not very often (1 point)

d. Not at all (0 points)

9. I've been so unhappy that I've been crying.

a. Most of the time (3 points)

b. Several times (2 points)

c. Once or twice (1 point)

d. Not at all (0 points)

I didn't seek professional help, cos deep down I somehow know I was depressed but I felt it was not very serious (No, I didn't have the urge to harm myself or the baby or hitting someone) and I know I had to overcome it myself somehow. To me, it also seemed like some major mood swings that I need to deal with. Of course, hub was really patient enough to support me through the ordeal.

I have since recovered but I think the frustration and dilemma of being a mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law and an employee will continue. I guess I would be more prone to mood swings than anyone else (!!!!) now, but this will soon be history.

Gotta hang in there!