Dr. Sarah Allen

04/22/2026

One of the most common things I hear from new moms is: "I just don't feel like myself, but I can't tell if this is anxiety, depression, or just exhaustion."

The answer is that it's often all of these and that's exactly what makes postpartum mood disorders so hard to navigate on your own.

In my latest blog post I walk through:
✔ What postpartum depression really feels like vs. postpartum anxiety
✔ Why so many women have both at the same time
✔ The key differences in how they show up day to day — in feeding, sleep, and leaving the baby
✔ Simple strategies you can try at home right now
✔ When it's time to reach out for professional help

If any of this sounds familiar, please know that both conditions are very real, very common, and very treatable. You don't have to wait until things are unbearable to ask for help.

👇 Read the full post here:

Learn the difference between postpartum depression and anxiety and how therapy with Dr. Sarah Allen in Illinois and Florida can help you feel yourself again

03/04/2026

A mental health guide for moms of twins: recognize anxiety, depression and trauma, learn risk factors, coping tips, and when to seek therapy.

02/12/2026

Struggling to say "no" without feeling guilty? You're not alone. Many people fall into the trap of people-pleasing, but it doesn't have to be this way.
In my latest article I offers actionable tips to help you set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being!

Learn why setting limits and saying no is hard for people pleasers. Read 10 expert tips to set boundaries and increase your self confidence.

02/02/2026

Anxiety can feel like a never-ending loop of "what-ifs" and overthinking. What if the key to managing anxiety isn’t changing your thoughts, but changing how you relate to them?

Metacognitive therapy helps you step back, observe your thoughts, and respond differently to worry.

By shifting your focus and questioning old beliefs about anxiety, you can break free from the cycle of rumination.
Read more:

Learn how metacognition - observing your thought patterns and how you think - can help you break free from anxiety and gain clarity.

01/12/2026

Do you ever feel anxious, but you can't quite explain why? Your body might be holding onto tension, keeping your nervous system on high alert.
In my latest blog post, I explain the powerful connection between body and mind. Learn how simple, practical techniques that can help you release stored tension and signal to your body that it’s safe to relax.
Take the first step towards a calmer you. Read more here: https://drsarahallen.com/calm-your-body-calm-your-mind-to-soothe-anxiety/

Learn how therapy can help you regulate your nervous system which in turn helps reduce anxiety, and reconnects you with your body.

01/02/2026

As the new year begins, the pressure to set goals around diets and healthy eating can feel overwhelming. But what if the path to a healthier relationship with food wasn't about strict rules, but about self-kindness?

Emotional eating is rarely about the food itself. It’s often a way of coping with feelings that need to be heard. Trying to force change with rigid diets can add more stress and trigger the very cycle you’re trying to break.

Read my article for practical tips on building a better relationship with food this year. If you're ready for personalized support, I'm here to help you develop strategies that fit your life.

Learn how to create realistic goals that change your relationship with food through small steps and treatment for emotional eating.

01/01/2026

The start of a new year can bring a mix of emotions—hope, anxiety, excitement, sadness and everything in between. It can also be an opportunity—a chance to set small, meaningful goals that help you prioritize your mental and physical health.
I have put together 10 practical goals designed to improve your mental health and also discuss evidence-based psychological techniques that help you achieve them. I hope you find them helpful!
https://drsarahallen.com/10-new-years-goals-to-improve-your-mental-health-using-psychology/

FOLLOW ME TO GET MORE VIDEOS & TIPS ABOUT ANXIETY
If you would like to read more about other topics related to anxiety and worrying, please visit my anxiety topics blog:
https://drsarahallen.com/category/anxiety/

I also have a free booklet called Simple Steps To Reduce Anxiety & Worrying that can be downloaded from my website:
https://drsarahallen.com/

I am an anxiety and CBT expert and see clients in Northbrook, Chicago, IL, FL & in the UK.

Follow me on Facebook, YouTube & LinkedIn too!
Https://www.facebook.com/drsfcallen
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Discover 10 effective New Year's goals to boost your mental health. Learn how to set and achieve them using psychology and SMART goals.

12/31/2025

Wishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful 2026 🎊🥳💫🤩

12/16/2025

Does your mind ever get stuck on "what ifs" or replaying worries again and again? You are not alone. That cycle is called rumination, and it can feel so overwhelming. But I want you to know that you have the power to find quiet and reclaim your peace.
I have shared 5 simple, effective strategies in my new blog post to help you break free from overthinking and manage stress.
Ready for relief? Read my expert-backed tips in the link below.

Struggling with racing thoughts? Learn 5 practical strategies to break the cycle of rumination and ease your anxiety with Dr. Sarah Allen.

12/10/2025

Does the thought of a social gathering make your heart race or your stomach clench? 💓 You are not alone. In the holiday season there are more events and gatherings than usual.

Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy—it can be a heavy weight that follows you long before an event even starts.

If you find yourself freezing up or wanting to cancel plans, I want you to know that these feelings don't have to define you. There are small, gentle steps you can take to find your calm. ✨

Learn how to manage nerves, shift critical self-talk, and feel more confident with practical tips and when to seek anxiety counseling.

11/25/2025

Thanksgiving and the holiday season are just around the corner and family gatherings can be wonderful, but they can also bring up complicated emotions and stress.

If you find yourself dreading certain interactions or feeling anxious about seeing family, you are not alone. It's okay to want to protect your peace.

In my latest article, I share practical tips to help you stay calm and centered around stressful family members. You have the power to change how you experience these situations.

Taking small, intentional steps can make a big difference in reducing stress and helping you feel more in control.

I hope you find it helpful!

Learn tips to help you set boundaries and feel calmer around difficult family members this holiday season as well as throughout the year.

11/11/2025

Feeling grateful to see insights from my article “Reclaiming Your Sense of Identity When You’re a Mom” included in Yahoo News’ piece about Naomi Osaka’s new podcast where she talks about “reassessing her personal worth not as a player defined by trophies, but as a woman learning to value herself beyond what she achieves”.

It’s wonderful to see more open conversations about personal identity and mental well-being in motherhood — a topic that matters so much to so many of us. ❤️

Naomi Osaka reveals how pregnancy and postpartum helped her rediscover self-worth, a journey that resonates with many