Mental Health Resources for Parents

Your mental health matters just as much as your baby's development. If you are struggling, you are not alone and help is available right now.

Immediate Support

Postpartum Support International (PSI) Warmline

Call or text 1-800-944-4773

Available in English and Spanish. Not a crisis line -- a warmline staffed by trained volunteers who understand what you are going through.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

Free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. Trained crisis counselors available any time.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988

Free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress.

Self-Screening

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a validated screening tool used worldwide. It is not a diagnosis -- it helps you decide whether to seek further support.

Perinatal Mood Screener (EPDS)

This is not a diagnosis.

This is a validated screening questionnaire (EPDS, Cox et al., 1987) used to help start a conversation with your healthcare provider. A high score does not mean you have depression, and a low score does not mean everything is fine. Only a qualified professional can provide a diagnosis.

0 of 10 answered0%

In the past 7 days, not just today...

1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things
2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things
3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong
4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason
5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason
6. Things have been getting on top of me
7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping
8. I have felt sad or miserable
9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying
10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me

Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is just as common as postpartum depression but talked about far less. It can look like constant worry that something is wrong with your baby, difficulty sleeping even when the baby sleeps, racing thoughts, or a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

Intrusive thoughts -- unwanted, frightening thoughts about harm coming to your baby -- are a hallmark of postpartum anxiety and OCD. Having these thoughts does not mean you want to act on them. They are a symptom, not a reflection of your character.

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life or your ability to enjoy time with your baby, talk to your healthcare provider. Effective treatments (therapy and/or medication) are available and safe for breastfeeding parents.

Birth Trauma

A traumatic birth experience can leave lasting emotional effects. This can happen after an emergency C-section, a complicated delivery, a NICU stay, feeling unheard during labor, or any experience where you felt your life or your baby's life was in danger.

Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of anything related to the birth, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness. These are signs of birth-related PTSD, which affects approximately 4-6% of birthing parents.

Trauma-focused therapy (such as EMDR or CPT) can help. You do not need to "just get over it." Your experience was real and your feelings are valid.

Paternal & Partner Mental Health

Postpartum depression and anxiety affect non-birthing parents too. Research shows that approximately 8-10% of fathers experience paternal postpartum depression, and the rate is higher when the birthing parent is also struggling.

In partners, it may look different: irritability, anger, withdrawal, increased work hours, risk-taking behavior, or substance use. These are not character flaws -- they can be symptoms of depression.

The PSI warmline (1-800-944-4773) is for all parents and caregivers, not just birthing parents. You deserve support too.