Takeaway: If you’re struggling with stressful thoughts and feelings as a new mom, you’re not alone. Many women experience mental health issues, such as postpartum anxiety, following birth without even realizing it. That’s why I created this quiz. By taking my postpartum anxiety assessment, you can get a better sense of what’s going on for you and take steps toward feeling better.
Too many new moms suffer in silence, and part of my goal as a postpartum therapist in Los Angeles is to help break that stigma. You deserve support, whether or not you have a diagnosis like postpartum anxiety (or postpartum depression).
Keep in mind that this quiz isn't a replacement for talking with a professional, like your healthcare provider or a licensed therapist. They can use official screening tools, like the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale, to diagnose postpartum anxiety.
However, it can be helpful to gauge whether the symptoms of postpartum anxiety resonate with you. From here, you can feel more confident and informed when you go to speak with your clinician about how you've been feeling.
Who is this quiz for?
This quiz is for any new mom who thinks she might be struggling with postpartum anxiety. The postpartum period is a tender time, and it can be difficult to understand what feelings are "normal" and which ones are a sign that something deeper might be going on. Your quiz results can help clarify that.
How accurate is this quiz?
As we discussed earlier, this quiz can't provide a professional diagnosis. At the same time, taking a postpartum anxiety quiz (like this one) can be a helpful first step toward understanding whether you're experiencing postpartum anxiety symptoms. Once you have this insight, you may feel empowered to get the support you need and deserve.
Take my postpartum anxiety test below
Wondering whether you have postpartum anxiety symptoms? Take my quiz to start getting a clearer picture of what your physical and emotional symptoms are trying to tell you. *Remember, this quiz isn't a replacement for a formal diagnosis of postpartum anxiety disorders.*
Understanding your results
Let's break down what your results may indicate.
Mostly A's: It's likely that you're struggling with postpartum anxiety.
Your results suggest that you identify with many common signs of postpartum anxiety. Know that you don't have to go through this alone. I encourage you to speak with your healthcare providers and connect with a women's mental health professional. If you're located in California, I'm happy to help.
Mostly B's: You may have postpartum anxiety.
Your results suggest that you identify with some symptoms of postpartum anxiety. However, you don't need to have severe anxiety to still be struggling. I encourage you to get in touch with your doctor and/or connect with a therapist if you're interested in getting support. If you're located in California, I'm happy to help.
Mostly C's: It's unlikely that you have postpartum anxiety, but help is still here.
Your results suggest that you don't identify with many signs of postpartum anxiety. However, this quiz doesn't rule out other issues like postpartum depression. Plus, you don't need to have a mental health issue in order to be struggling. If you're interested in getting support, I recommend connecting with a mental health professional. If you're located in California, I'm happy to help.
FAQs about postpartum anxiety
How long after giving birth can you get postpartum anxiety?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, anxiety can begin at any point during or after pregnancy. While it's most common up to six weeks postpartum, it can start at any time during the first year after delivery.
Is it normal to have anxiety after giving birth?
Postpartum anxiety is more common than you may realize. Some research suggests that between 11% and 21% of women in the perinatal and postpartum periods experience anxiety symptoms. However, this doesn't mean that you need to continue struggling alone just because other women have anxiety. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can find relief.
How does postpartum anxiety affect the baby?
Postpartum anxiety can make it difficult to bond with your baby. You might have intrusive thoughts that keep you from holding your baby or spending time with your baby. The lack of sleep, irritability, and difficulty concentrating that often come with postpartum anxiety can also make it difficult to connect with your baby. Thankfully, treatment can reduce symptoms and help you enjoy your baby more.
