The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is a widely accepted tool to quantify depressive symptoms. It is helpful in assessing the degree of depressive symptoms and indication for services.  It may be a tool as much for your own reflection as for diagnosing depression and tracking results of treatment. Postpartum depression is diagnosed anytime within the year following birth.

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Counseling

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis identified by a cluster of symptoms. Originally a diagnosis created to treat veterans returning from war, it has expanded to numerous other cases.  According to experts, post partum PTSD is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The PCL-5 is a self report measure that assesses  symptoms of PTSD and can be found here.

Please visit ptsd.va.gov for thorough resource.

See also: Raja, Harita MD "Post partum PTSD: Beyond Postpartum Depression in Maternal Mental Health" https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/anxiety/postpartum-ptsd-beyond-postpartum-depression-in-maternal-mental-health/ Psychiatric Advisor, May 12, 2017

The coaching provided through StoryMorphosis is an excellent adjunct to professional psychiatric treatment and is not a substitute. If you believe your symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for Depression, Post-Partum Depression or PTSD, I encourage you to seek psychological support. If you ever feel you are a threat to your own safety, at risk of suicide or self harm or a threat to others -  reach out! You can always contact emergency services, dial 911, and secure your safety. Here's the link to the national suicide hotline. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7.

You matter.