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It’s three in the morning. Your baby is finally asleep, but you lie awake, heart racing, and thoughts spiraling. Am I a bad mother? Why do I feel so empty? Is this still normal? Many new mothers know these questions – and they deserve honest answers. The good news: There is a scientifically proven way to categorize your feelings and determine what support you need right now.

Why This Test Is Important – And How It Works

Our 5-minute self-test is based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), an internationally recognized questionnaire used in scientific studies around the world. It assesses your mood over the past seven days and helps you identify signs of postpartum depression or anxiety.

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This is how the test works:

  • You answer 10 simple questions about your feelings and thoughts from the past week
  • Each answer is rated from 0 to 3 points (depending on the intensity of symptoms)
  • Your total score (0-30) immediately shows whether your symptoms are within a normal range or if you should seek support
  • You receive a personalized evaluation with specific next steps

It’s important to know: A high score indicates possible depression or anxiety disorder, but it does not replace a medical diagnosis. The test is a first step toward self-care – not a medical judgment.

Postpartum Anxiety vs. Depression: Understanding the Subtle Differences

Many mothers experience both simultaneously, but the symptoms differ slightly. This distinction helps you categorize your feelings better and seek targeted help.

Typical Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

  • Extreme sadness or emptiness that doesn’t go away
  • Lack of interest in the baby or unrealistic guilt
  • Severe fatigue and lack of energy, even after sleep
  • Changes in appetite (no hunger or constant eating)
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Thoughts that everyone would be better off without you

Typical Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

  • Constant worry about the health or safety of the baby
  • Racing heart, shortness of breath, panic attacks
  • Insomnia, even when the baby is asleep
  • Obsessive thoughts or constant checking
  • Overwhelming nervousness and restlessness
  • Fear of being alone with the baby
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The enormous hormonal changes after childbirth, the sleepless nights, and social isolation – when the usual connections to colleagues or friends are missing – contribute to these conditions. You are not to blame, and you are not alone.

Understanding Your Test Results: What the Score Means

After completing the test, you will immediately receive an evaluation. Here’s how you can interpret your score:

  • 0-8 points: Your symptoms are within the normal range. The first weeks and months with a baby are challenging – occasional mood swings are completely normal. Continue to take care of yourself and repeat the test if necessary.
  • 9-12 points: You show mild symptoms that should be monitored. Talk to your midwife, gynecologist, or family doctor about it. Early support can make a big difference.
  • 13-30 points: Your symptoms indicate a treatable depression or anxiety disorder. Please seek professional help soon – this is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and care for you and your baby.

A particular question in the test concerns thoughts of self-harm. If you score points here, immediate help is essential. Reach out to your doctor, the emergency room, or a crisis hotline.

After the Test: Your Next Steps

The test is the beginning, not the end. Depending on the results, there are concrete ways to support yourself now.

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Immediate Self-Care Steps

  • Talk to someone you trust about your feelings – silence makes it harder
  • Accept help: with household chores, babysitting, or cooking
  • Sleep whenever possible – lack of sleep worsens all symptoms
  • Move gently: a short walk in the fresh air can work wonders
  • Reduce perfectionist demands – "good enough" is the new goal

Finding Professional Support

If your test result is elevated, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The following resources are available to you:

  • Your gynecologist or family doctor: Your first point of contact for diagnostics and treatment options
  • Midwife: Knows you and your situation, can mediate and support
  • Psychiatric or psychotherapeutic practices: Specialized treatment, including medications compatible with breastfeeding
  • Mother counseling centers: Low-threshold contact points experienced in postpartum crises
  • Crisis hotlines: Available 24/7 for acute thoughts of self-harm

Tracking Symptoms for Over Two Weeks: Why This Is So Valuable

Your mood can fluctuate – a single test only provides a snapshot. That’s why experts recommend repeating the EPDS questionnaire in the first year after birth at least every two weeks.

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Benefits of Regular Self-Monitoring:

  • You recognize patterns: Are the symptoms getting better, worse, or staying the same?
  • You can react early before the situation worsens
  • You have concrete data for discussions with your doctor or therapist
  • You regain a sense of control – you are actively observing rather than passively suffering

Use a simple notebook or an app to keep track of your results. Also, note what was special about that day: Did you have visitors? Did you sleep? Was there stress? These connections help you identify triggers.

You Are Not Alone – And Help Works

About 10-15% of all mothers experience postpartum depression, and even more struggle with anxiety symptoms. These numbers show: You are in good company. And the most important thing: With the right support, most women feel significantly better.

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Whether through talk therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination – there are many paths back to yourself. The first step is to take your feelings seriously and give them a name. You have done just that with this test.

Take the test now and gain clarity. Repeat it in two weeks. Talk to someone about your results. And remember: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness – it is the bravest step you can take for yourself and your baby.