How are you really feeling?

Moms:

Do you have strong feelings of sadness or emptiness?

Do you have bouts of uncontrollable crying?
Are you easily irritated or angered?
Do you feel anxious, panicked, overwhelmed, or out of control?
Do you feel hopeless, trapped, or worthless?
Do you worry a lot about your baby’s health or safety?
Are you constantly fatigued (even after resting)?
Do you have trouble falling and staying asleep or wanting to sleep all the time?
Have you lost interest in activities you normally enjoy?
Do you have trouble concentrating or making decisions?
Have you experienced any sudden changes in your appetite or weight?
Do you find you have no interest or pleasure in your baby?
Do you feel like your baby does not like you?
Do you feel resentful towards your baby and/or partner?
Do you feel like the worst mom in the world?
Do you fantasize about running away or escaping?
Are you having repetitive or racing thoughts that are causing you anxiety?
Are you scared to tell someone or get help for fear your child or children will be taken away?
Are you scared to be alone with your baby?
Are you having scary thoughts or fears about harming your baby, your children, or yourself? (This is a medical EMERGENCY! See our In Crisis? page for help)

If you answer “Yes” to even some of the above questions, please talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. You may have a perinatal mental illness. Only a qualified health care professional can make this diagnosis. Early diagnosis and early treatment can help lead to a full recovery. Print off a copy of this checklist, fill it in, and share it with your health care provider to better help them understand your symptoms.

Partners:

• Do you feel like something isn’t quite right?
• Are you nervous about leaving your partner and child alone?
• Do you think your partner answers “Yes” to many of these questions?

If you feel your partner or loved one might answer “Yes” to many of the above questions, learn more about how you can help and support them on our Get Help for Partners and Friends and Family pages.

Screening Tools

If you think you may be affected by a perinatal mental illness, you may want to screen yourself using the following screening tool and bring the results to your doctor. Please know that screening high does not give a diagnosis. Only a health care professional can do so. However, it may provide an icebreaker for your visit.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

• Translated in 13 languages:
  • http://www.perinatalservicesbc.ca/… (EPDS Translated version in 13 languages).