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Up to 20% of pregnant and new moms experience depression or anxiety.

Yes, it’s that common!

No one can say for definite that having specific stresses or experiences in your life, or perhaps having certain personality traits, causes postpartum anxiety or depression but we do know that there are quite a few factors that can increase your risk.

Click To Take The Quiz

 

In response to COVID-19 concerns, I am currently offering remote appointments so I can still be there for you. Read more about how remote counseling works Dr. Allen Telephone & Video Sessions

 

Download my FREE Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression. It is full of information about symptoms, different types of maternal mood disorders and advice about what to do to start feeling like yourself again.

Dr. Sarah Allen has 20+ years experience as a psychologist helping women transition to being the mom they want to be. She is also the Director of the Postpartum Depression Alliance of IL, a non-profit offering info and support to pregnant and postpartum moms and their families.

In her Northbrook office, in the North Suburbs of Chicago, or via telephone or online counseling she offers the most convenient way for you to access support and help.

If you have questions after reading this article or the Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression or have any questions about how counseling can be useful to your particular circumstances please contact me at 847 791-7722 or on the form below.

 

 

If you are experiencing symptoms of either anxiety, depression or obsessional thoughts it isn’t something you have done wrong, or something that’s wrong with you and you certainly needn’t blame yourself for feeling this way. It’s just, for a variety of reasons, the childbearing years are the most likely time in a women’s life to experience a mental health issue.

The information in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition. Please call me or consult your own health care provider for individual advice regarding your specific situation and needs.

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Why do we worry and what can you do stop? In this short video Dr. Sarah Allen, psychologist and anxiety expert, shares simple tips that can really reduce worry and anxiety.

Here is a summary of the information contained in this seven minute video. I hope you will find it helpful!

• Firstly, I discuss why we worry and stress over things.
• The best question to ask yourself when you are worried about something.
• The difference between useful vs useless worrying.
• What to do when you have decided that problem is in the present and not the past or future.
• What cognitive therapy is and how we can feel more in control by studying and writing down your worries.
• Why positive visualization works and how to do it.

If you prefer to read a post rather than watch a video click here The Number One Question That Helps Reduce Worry

To find out more about coping with anxiety and worrying  download my free booklet Simple Steps To Overcome Anxiety & Worrying  use the sign up form below the book.

When clients first come in to see me, the main concerns that come up again and again are:

1. How can I feel less stressed, angry and overwhelmed?
2. What should I do if I feel panicky?
3. How can I stop worrying about everything: my children, partner, friends, work, my “to do” list….

So I put together a booklet with some strategies I am always giving to my clients to help them begin to feel less anxiety and to worry less.

I hope that you will find it helpful too.

Add your first name and email address in the box below and you will be sent the steps to download your FREE book.

Please let me know if  you have any questions after reading the booklet. Also, if you would like to read more, I have several blog posts on my blog about anxiety and other issues that can affect the way you feel.

If after watching my video or reading the booklet you feel ready to start working on reducing your anxiety but need support, I can help you overcome worrying in one-on-one individual counseling sessions.

In a supportive environment with a therapist who has over 20 years experience you can learn how to reduce worrying by:

• Learning a variety of relaxation and breathing strategies which can help you reduce your overall levels of stress and help you face anxiety-provoking situations.
• Learning how to distinguish between worries that require your attention and worries that are unnecessary.
• Learning skills to manage anxious thoughts and to tackle fears that may have been holding you back.While all your worries won’t disappear, you will be given strategies to manage them better and tools to reduce the impact they have on your life.

If you feel anxiety is standing in the way of you leading the life you want to, call me on 847 791-7722 or via the email form below.