Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

  • Are you pregnant or have you had a baby within the last year?

    So much changes during this time- your body, your emotions, even your thoughts. It’s completely normal, and you’re not alone.

    That’s why we’ve teamed up with providers and organizations to offer a quick, confidential screening to every mom during pregnancy and up to 12 months after.    

    This short check-in can help you spot early signs of stress, anxiety, or depression- things that can be hard to talk about, but important to recognize.

    Getting support isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a strong, powerful step toward feeling more like you again.

    How It Works:

    • 10 simple questions about how you’ve been feeling over the past week.
    • No right or wrong answers- just an honest check-in with yourself.
    • 5 minutes to complete.
    • Your responses are kept private and are not linked to your name.
    • Results are just for you- to help you better understand how you’re really doing.

    What You Need to Know:

    • This screening is part of a mental health initiative and is meant for awareness and education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace medical care.
    • Your responses and total score are recorded in a de-identified way. This means your results are not connected to your name or other personal details.
    • At the end of the screening, you will have the option to download, print, or save your results. If you choose, you may share this summary with a healthcare provider or mental health professional to support a conversation about how you’ve been feeling.
    • Your results are based only on the answers you provide and may not reflect your full health history. 
    • If your results show signs of concern, or you have concerns of your own, we encourage you to talk to a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

     

    In crisis or feeling unsafe?

    This screening is not monitored in real time.

    If you are in immediate danger, feel unsafe, or are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away. Help is available. 

    Emergency Support Resources:

    If you are in crisis, help is available 24/7. You are not alone.

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Call or Text 988

    Click to connect with their online chat

    Erie County, PA Crisis Services 

    Call 814-456-2014 

    Call toll free at 1-800-300-9558 

    In Erie County, PA in-person support is also available at: 

    LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion – Emergency Room
    5515 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509

    UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
    2560 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505

    AHN Saint Vincent Hospital – Emergency Room
    232 W. 25th St, Erie, PA 16544

     

  • Disclaimer


    This screening is part of a mental health initiative led by the Achievement Center of LECOM Health through Project LAUNCH. It is meant to provide general information and support awareness. It is not medical care. 

    This screening is not monitored in real time. No one is reviewing your answers as you complete it or after submission. Taking this screening does not create a provider–patient relationship. 

    If you have concerns about your mental health, please talk with a healthcare provider.

    If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 for immediate help. 

  • Privacy Notice


    Your answers and total score are stored without your name attached. They are not used to identify you as an individual. 

    The website may collect limited technical information, such as your IP address, for security purposes. 

    Screening data may be used in summary form for reporting and program evaluation.

  • Do you live in Erie County, Pennsylvania?*

  • Note: Some of our resources and follow-up supports are only available to residents in Erie County, Pennsylvania. You are still welcome to complete the screening, and view general resources at erieLAUNCH.org, but we are unable to offer certain location-specific services.

  • Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

  • After each question, please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS - not just how you feel today.

    After you complete all 10 items, your score will be calculated for you. Please remember, this is a screening - not a medical diagnosis.

    If something doesn’t seem right, call your health care provider regardless of your score.

  • I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things*
  • I have looked forward with enjoyment to things:*
  • I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong:*
  • I have been anxious or worried for no good reason:*
  • I have felt scared or panicky for no good reason:*
  • Things have been getting to me:*
  • I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping:*
  • I have felt sad or miserable:*
  • I have been so unhappy that I have been crying:*
  • The thought of harming myself has occurred to me:*

  • Citation & Copyright:
    Cox, J.L., Holden, J.M. and Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782-786.
    Use of this tool is authorized for non-commercial, personal self-assessment only. Any other use requires permission from the copyright holders.

  • A total score of 0–6 indicates none or minimal depression

    McCabe-Beane, J. E., Segre, L. S., Perkhounkova, Y., Stuart, S., & O'Hara, M. W. (2016). The identification of severity ranges for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 34(3), 293–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2016.1141346

     

    You may be feeling mostly okay right now.

    • It’s normal to feel tired or emotional after having a baby.
    • Keep taking care of yourself- rest when you can, eat, move your body, and talk to people you trust.
    • Keep an eye on your feelings. If things change or get harder, it’s okay to ask for help.
    • You can take this screening again later if you want to check in.

      Seeking support is always okay- even when things feel fine.

  • A total score of 7-13 indicates mild depression

    McCabe-Beane, J. E., Segre, L. S., Perkhounkova, Y., Stuart, S., & O'Hara, M. W. (2016). The identification of severity ranges for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 34(3), 293–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2016.1141346

     

    You may be feeling a little down, stressed, or overwhelmed.

    • These feelings are common during pregnancy and after birth. Many moms feel overwhelmed or worried sometimes.
    • Try talking to a friend, family member, or someone you trust about how you're feeling.
    • Take time for small things that help you feel calm- deep breaths, a short walk, music you enjoy.
    • You may not need professional help right now, but it’s good to keep an eye on how you’re doing.
    • If your feelings become stronger or start affecting your daily life, reaching out for support is a healthy next step.

     You're not alone. If things feel harder, it’s okay to ask for support.

     

  • A total score of 14–19 indicates moderate depression

    McCabe-Beane, J. E., Segre, L. S., Perkhounkova, Y., Stuart, S., & O'Hara, M. W. (2016). The identification of severity ranges for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 34(3), 293–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2016.1141346

     

    Your score shows signs of postpartum depression, anxiety, or emotional distress that may be impacting your day-to-day life.

    • Feeling sad, worried, or stuck is common- and it can be treated.
    • Try talking to your doctor or a mental health provider. They can help you figure out what kind of support might help.
    • You deserve to feel better. This is not your fault, and asking for help is a strong and loving step.

     Please consider reaching out to a provider.

    You don’t have to go through this alone.

     

  • A total score of 19-30 indicates severe depression

    McCabe-Beane, J. E., Segre, L. S., Perkhounkova, Y., Stuart, S., & O'Hara, M. W. (2016). The identification of severity ranges for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 34(3), 293–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2016.1141346

     

    Your score suggests you may be experiencing significant postpartum depression or anxiety.

    • These feelings are real, and they are not your fault.
    • Please talk to your doctor, a counselor, or a mental health provider soon. Treatment can help you feel better.
    • You don’t have to wait until it gets worse. You deserve support now.

     We care about how you're feeling. Help is available.

  •  If you’re in crisis or need help right away-

    please use one of these 24/7 resources:

     

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Call or Text 988

    Click to connect with their online chat

     

    Erie County, PA Crisis Services 

    Call 814-456-2014 

    Call toll free at 1-800-300-9558 

     

    Help is also available at these Erie County, PA locations- 

    LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion – Emergency Room
    5515 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509

    UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
    2560 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505

    AHN Saint Vincent Hospital – Emergency Room
    232 W. 25th St, Erie, PA 16544

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