Monitor and Seek  Assistance
(if you experience the following)

Distress: give yourself an average score out of 10 on a daily basis (10 being extremely distressed and 0 being no distress)

Ask: your partner and other close friends/ family if they have noticed any changes

Reflect: Are you feeling overly inadequate, doubtful about your competencies, angry/ irritable

Inability to enjoy the baby or getting upset with the baby

Frequent thoughts of wanting to "get away" or feeling overwhelmed

Having intrusive and distressing thoughts about wanting to hurt the baby or self.

  • Are you experiencing any of the symptoms listed for more than 4 weeks?
  • Are you struggling with anxiety or sadness or distress for over 4 weeks?
  • Have you had any suicidal or self harm thoughts?
  • Are you isolating yourself for fear of not being able to cope with baby outside home or with other people?

IF YOU ANSWER "YES" TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS ABOVE


Please complete the following screening questionaire: Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): 

http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/CliniciansdownloadableEdinburgh.pdf

OR

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mghpds/id1239621118?mt=8

Please see your GP if you score 12 or more, or have answered question 10 as 1,2 or 3.

This is a very sensitive screening test and is used as a universal screening tool in many countries to identify perinatal mental health issues.