Postpartum anxiety is common and treatable, but it can be easily missed because it’s not an officially recognized mental health condition.
This quiz was designed by a licensed therapist to help you understand if you might be experiencing postpartum anxiety.
If you believe you have postpartum anxiety, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, and support is available. You can share your quiz results with your OB-GYN or therapist, and they can get you the care you deserve.
Postpartum anxiety affects up to one in five new parents. It’s when you develop symptoms of an anxiety disorder, like generalized anxiety (GAD) or panic disorder, in the months after becoming a parent.
Because “postpartum anxiety” isn’t recognized as a mental health diagnosis on its own, it can often be missed. But postpartum anxiety is real, and it can affect both you and your new baby during what can be a challenging and exciting time. You deserve support.
This quiz isn’t designed to replace a professional diagnosis. But it can be a first step toward getting answers about your mental health and if postpartum anxiety could explain what you’re going through.
Take our postpartum anxiety screening
Answer each question truthfully and to the best of your ability. They can be personal. Keep in mind that regardless of how you answer, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent.
Do racing thoughts keep you awake at night, even when your baby is sleeping?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you find yourself constantly worrying that something terrible is going to happen to you or your baby?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do worries sometimes pop into your mind when you’re doing something else, and it becomes hard to shake the feeling?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you find that your heart races suddenly, and it’s hard to calm down?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you feel on edge?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you have a hard time trusting others with responsibilities around the house or caring for your baby?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you have a hard time relaxing, even when everything is fine around you?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you find it hard to be away from your baby, to the point that you have to be able to see them at all times?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you avoid socializing or doing other activities for fear that something bad will happen?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you feel overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Is it hard to feel happy?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Have others expressed concern about your mental health?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Do you struggle with feeling like you “should” enjoy motherhood but can’t shake anxious feelings enough to do so?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Are you afraid of being alone with your baby?
Nearly every day
A few days of the week
Rarely/never
Please note: If you or your loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming your baby or others, please call 911, contact a local crisis line such as 988, or head to the emergency room immediately. This will ensure that you receive support right away.
If you answered mostly:
Nearly every day: You’re showing signs of postpartum anxiety. You might feel constantly worried, overwhelmed, or on edge. These feelings can make it hard to relax or enjoy time with your baby. You're not alone — and a therapist can help you feel more like yourself again.
A few days of the week: You’re showing some signs of postpartum anxiety. You might be managing okay, but the anxiety is still there. A therapist can help you better understand what’s going on and give you tools to feel more calm and confident.
Rarely/never: You’re probably not showing signs of postpartum anxiety right now. Still, if something feels off or you're having a hard time adjusting, it’s always okay to talk to someone. Support is there anytime you need it.
Quiz content written by Lolly Coleman, MS, LMFT.
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What to do with your test results
This test was designed by a licensed therapist based on the official symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It also incorporates aspects of the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), a clinical instrument used to measure signs of postpartum anxiety.
Even though our quiz is based on clinically sound information, keep in mind that no online quiz can replace a professional assessment from a professional. Only a licensed mental health provider or your OB-GYN can diagnose you with an anxiety disorder. If you feel comfortable, you can take your results from this test to your next appointment and tell them about your concerns and symptoms.
Getting evaluated by a professional can also provide a more in-depth look at your symptoms to get the right diagnosis. Anxiety isn’t the only mental health concern related to the postpartum period, and it can co-occur with other conditions.
Other conditions that may arise during the postpartum period include:
It’s important to get the right diagnosis, because the treatment for each condition is different.
Once you’ve gotten the right diagnosis, your provider can connect you to treatment that can help. Postpartum anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it’s treatable. Therapy, and sometimes medication, can support your well-being as you navigate the challenges of parenthood..
Remember that, regardless of your quiz results, you know yourself best. If you feel that something is wrong, let your provider know — even if the quiz says you’re unlikely to have postpartum anxiety. It’s important to listen to and advocate for yourself.
Having anxiety doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you care deeply and your mind is working overtime. You’re not alone, and getting support doesn’t make you weak — it shows just how strong you really are. There are people who understand and want to help you feel better.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
We designed this quiz to help you understand if you may be experiencing postpartum anxiety. Postpartum anxiety is common, affecting up to 20% of new parents, and is treatable. Having a mental health condition like postpartum anxiety doesn’t make you a bad parent. With the right diagnosis and support, you can navigate parenthood with confidence.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Saya Des Marais
Saya graduated with her Master in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in mental health from the University of Southern California in 2010. She formerly worked as a therapist and motivational interviewing trainer in community clinics, public schools, mental health startups, and more.
Her writing has been featured in FORTUNE, GoodRX, PsychCentral, and dozens of mental health apps and therapy websites. Through both her clinical work and her personal OCD diagnosis, she’s learned the importance of making empathetic and accurate mental health content available online.
She lives in Portland, Oregon but you can find her almost just as often in Mexico or in her birthplace, Tokyo.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
