Mental health checklist for mums

If you need immediate support, please get in touch with these helpful contacts.

You’re not alone.

About the checklist

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a set of 10 questions that can help you and your health professional get a better sense of how you’re feeling.

For each question, select the statement that’s closest to how you’ve felt in the past seven days.

We recommend you complete the questions with a health professional. If you use the EPDS at home and your score is 10 or higher, you should speak to your GP or maternal and child health nurse about how you’re travelling.

Please remember that your score is only an indication of your symptoms, and you’ll need to see your health professional for a diagnosis and treatment options. More information on next steps can be found below the checklist.

Complete the mental health checklist:

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



  2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things



  3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong



  4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason



  5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason



  6. Things have been getting on top of me



  7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping



  8. I have felt sad or miserable



  9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying



  10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me



What happens next?
  • Based on this score, we'll tell you whether you fall into the low, medium or high range.
  • We'll help you take the next step, with information and contacts so you can seek support.
  • Please remember that this is not a diagnosis – only a health professional can provide that – but it can give you a better sense of how you're feeling. 
  • The checklist is anonymous and Beyond Blue is unable to identify individuals or make contact directly.

Global search data used in the 2019 Beyond Blue PNDA campaign is sourced from Google Keyword Planner. 

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