Start Screening Menu

Free Online Postpartum Depression Test & Personalised Recommendations

Take this 2-minute test to check your postpartum/postnatal depression symptoms & get personalised recommendations
Select your gender to begin:
By clicking Start, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy
Key takeaways
  • 2-minute EPDS-informed postpartum/postnatal depression check
  • Screens mood, anxiety features, sleep, guilt and interest
  • Clear next steps for self-care and professional help
  • Not a diagnosis; prompts action if needed
  • Includes crisis guidance for safety
  • Retake to monitor change over time

Disclaimer

This tool is for education and screening only. It does not provide medical advice or a diagnosis. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel unsafe, seek emergency help immediately.

About This Test

This free online postpartum depression test is for new or recent parents who want a quick, research-based check of mood after birth. In under two minutes, you’ll answer brief questions adapted from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) about low mood, loss of interest, anxiety, guilt, sleep, and thoughts of self-harm. Your score highlights likely severity and explains the difference between short-lived “baby blues” and more persistent postnatal/postpartum depression (PND/PPD) — including how symptoms can affect bonding, energy, focus and daily life.

Use your result as a practical starting point. If your score is higher, consider an urgent conversation with a qualified professional and reach out for support at home. If it’s lower, simple steps—regular rest where possible, nutrition, brief activity, and structured check-ins — can still help. This tool is not a diagnosis; only a clinician can diagnose depression. You can retake the postpartum depression test to track change over time, especially if you’re searching “signs of depression after birth” or “postnatal depression symptoms.”

How the test works

You’ll rate 10 short items adapted from the EPDS (past 7 days). Scores map to bands (lower to higher likelihood of depression) and unlock guidance: self-care steps, partner/family support ideas, and when to seek a full assessment for postpartum depression (and co-occurring anxiety after birth). You can retake the postnatal depression test to track change.

Scientific basis

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used 10-item screening questionnaire for depressive symptoms in the postnatal period (also sensitive to anxiety features). It supports screening and monitoring, but diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and consideration of context (physical recovery, feeding, sleep, support).

Test Author

Prof. John Cox (PhD), Jeni Holden and Ruth Sagovsky.

FAQ:

What does my score mean?

It estimates how often postpartum depression symptoms are present and suggests next steps.

Is this a diagnosis?

No. It’s a self-assessment; only a clinician can diagnose postnatal/postpartum depression.

Baby blues vs postpartum depression?

Baby blues typically start within days of birth and settle within ~2 weeks. Postnatal depression lasts longer, feels heavier, and affects daily life — seek help early.

Can anxiety happen after birth too?

Yes. Many people experience anxiety after birth (worry, tension, racing thoughts) alongside low mood. Your guidance covers both.

When should I seek urgent help?

If you have thoughts of self-harm, can’t care for yourself or your baby, or feel detached/confused — seek emergency help immediately.
Last Updated: 21 October 2025

Check Your Mental State

See all