1. Postpartum Depression: Definition, Symptoms and Hazards
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is an emotional disorder caused by drastic changes in hormone levels, parenting pressure and social role changes in women after childbirth. It manifests as the following symptoms that last for more than two weeks:
▸ Emotional symptoms: sadness, irritability, helplessness, and indifference to the baby;
▸ Physical symptoms: insomnia or drowsiness, sudden changes in appetite, fatigue;
▸ Cognitive symptoms: inattention, excessive self-blame or self-denial;
▸ Behavioral symptoms: avoidance of social interaction and loss of interest in parenting.
PPD that is not intervened in time may lead to serious consequences: impaired mother-child attachment, delayed cognitive development of children, and even self-harm or harm to the baby by the mother.
2. Postpartum Depression Test Questions and Scoring Criteria
To help new mothers assess whether they may suffer from postpartum depression, the following is a set of test questions based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). EPDS is a widely used self-assessment scale, which contains 10 questions, each with four options, corresponding to different scores (0-3 points). The test results can preliminarily assess the risk level of postpartum depression.
Test questions and scoring criteria
1. In the past 7 days, I was able to laugh and see the funny side of things.
Often: 0 points
Sometimes: 1 point
Rarely: 2 points
Never: 3 points
2. In the past 7 days, I felt that things were weighing on me.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
3. In the past 7 days, I felt sad or unhappy.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
4. In the past 7 days, I felt anxious or worried.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
5. In the past 7 days, I felt panic or fear.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
6. In the past 7 days, I felt that things were difficult for me.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
7. In the past 7 days, I felt unhappy.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
8. In the past 7 days, I felt that I could not take good care of my baby.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
9. In the past 7 days, I felt that I had no confidence in my baby.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
10. In the past 7 days, I felt that I had no interest in life.
Often: 3 points
Sometimes: 2 points
Rarely: 1 point
Never: 0 points
Rating standard
0-8 points: Normal range, no obvious depression symptoms.
9-12 points: High-risk group, it is recommended to pay attention to mood changes and seek support.
13-30 points: There may be postpartum depression. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor or mental health expert as soon as possible.
Please note that EPDS is only used to screen for postpartum depression and cannot be used as a diagnostic tool. If the test results show a high risk, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time.
3. Free channels for curing postpartum depression
1. Government Medicaid
Coverage: Low-income families can get free psychological counseling, drug treatment and hospitalization services.
Data support: In 2023, Medicaid covers about 28% of mothers in the United States, of which PPD treatment reimbursement rate reaches 85%8.
Application method: Log in to the Medicaid official website or call the hotline 1-800-318-2596. (https://tinyurl.com/3xpkajsh)
2. Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC)
Service content: Provide free group therapy, case management and crisis intervention, such as California's "Maternal Mental Health NOW" project.
Coverage data: 85% of the more than 1,300 CMHCs in the United States provide PPD-specific services. (https://tinyurl.com/mrnz433n)
3. Nonprofit support
Postpartum Support International (PSI):
Free resources: 24/7 hotline 1-800-944-4773, online mutual aid groups, multilingual counselor matching; (https://www.postpartum.net/)
Influence: Help more than 50,000 mothers get treatment in 2024.
Conclusion
Postpartum depression is a common but treatable mental health problem. With early identification and intervention, many new mothers can successfully overcome this challenge. The test tools and free resources provided in this article can help new mothers better understand their emotional state and get the necessary support and treatment. If you or someone close to you may be suffering from postpartum depression, please do not hesitate to seek help in time. Your health and happiness are vital to you and your family.
