What should you know about a postnatal depression questionnaire?

Questions may ask about sadness, worry, enjoyment, sleep, confidence, guilt and thoughts of self-harm during a recent period. Answer according to your actual experience rather than the answer you think a parent should give. Physical recovery, feeding demands and interrupted sleep can affect how you feel, so the clinician will interpret your answers in context.

A result is a starting point for discussion. A lower result does not rule out distress, and a higher result does not prove postnatal depression. Your history, safety, functioning and clinical conversation matter too.

Complete the questionnaire privately if possible, then ask the clinician to explain each concern. Mention symptoms the form missed, including panic, intrusive thoughts, anger, numbness or difficulty bonding. Bring a trusted person if that helps you speak openly. [Low Mood After Birth](/symptoms/postnatal-low-mood/) offers context about mood changes after delivery, while [Perinatal Mental Health Support](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/perinatal-mental-health-support/) describes routes to care.

Ask for an assessment when symptoms continue, interfere with daily activities or make parenting feel unmanageable, regardless of the questionnaire result. Get urgent help if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, cannot keep yourself safe, or experience hallucinations or severe confusion. Contact local emergency services or attend an emergency department with support.

Which questionnaire are we using, and what does my result mean? What symptoms should I describe that are not on the form? Could a physical health problem or medicine affect my mood? What support can begin now? Who do I contact outside appointments?