Dr. Sarah Allen

Dr. Sarah Allen Experienced therapist provides specialist help for anxiety, depression, relationships & women’s mental health.

I am an Anxiety specialist working with adults and teens, with a special interest in Women's Mental Health across their reproductive lifespan. I share links and articles about mental health issues, general well-being, parenting and psychological research on my page. My goal is to share information about these issues and I hope you find my posts helpful. I am particularly interested in:
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Anxiety, Depression and Worry
* Eating & Weight Issues
* Parenting
* Pregnancy & Postpartum Anxiety
* Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression
* Trauma
* Miscarriage & Loss
* Infertility
* Perimenopause & Menopause
* Relationship Difficulties
* Coping with Stress
* Helping with Difficult Life Transitions

Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed for years because their symptoms don't always match the stereotype of being hyperact...
06/02/2026

Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed for years because their symptoms don't always match the stereotype of being hyperactive or disruptive.

Instead, ADHD in women may show up as:
• Constant overwhelm
• Difficulty staying organized
• Chronic procrastination
• Forgetfulness
• Mental exhaustion from trying to "keep it all together"

Many women blame themselves for these struggles without realizing there may be an underlying reason.

In my latest article, I discuss some of the key signs of adult ADHD in women and why recognizing these symptoms can be an important first step toward getting support.

Read more here:
https://drsarahallen.com/key-signs-of-adult-adhd-in-women-what-you-need-to-know/

Learn the signs of ADHD in adult women, why it may go undiagnosed, and tips for managing ADHD, especially for mothers.

Anger is a normal human emotion, but many people were never taught how to calm down when they are angry in a healthy way...
05/28/2026

Anger is a normal human emotion, but many people were never taught how to calm down when they are angry in a healthy way.

When anger becomes overwhelming, affects relationships, or leaves you saying things you later regret, it is often a sign that your nervous system is overloaded and reacting before you have time to think clearly.

In my new article, I talk about:
• why anger feels so physical
• how anxiety and overwhelm can contribute to irritability
• practical ways to calm your nervous system in the moment
• when therapy may help address what is underneath the anger

If you have ever wondered why your reactions sometimes feel stronger than you want them to be, this article may help you better understand what is happening and what you can do differently.

Read here:

Feeling angry and not sure how to manage it? Dr. Sarah Allen explains what anger does to your body, how to calm down, and when therapy can help.

Do you find yourself reaching for food when you're stressed, even when you're not hungry?Anxiety can change your appetit...
05/16/2026

Do you find yourself reaching for food when you're stressed, even when you're not hungry?

Anxiety can change your appetite in two very different ways. Some people feel too anxious to eat. Others find themselves standing in the kitchen at night, reaching for comfort foods after a long, stressful day.

If that second one sounds familiar, you are not alone and it is not a willpower problem.

In my latest post I explain:

✔ The difference between emotional eating, binge eating, and stress snacking
✔ How anxiety affects your brain, hormones, and cravings
✔ A simple "pause and check in" tool you can start using today
✔ Signs it may be time to work with a therapist

Understanding what is driving your eating is the first step toward feeling less stuck.

Read the full post here:

Discover how anxiety affects emotional eating, binge eating, and stress snacking, and how therapy for emotional eating helps.

Mother’s Day can be one of the hardest days of the year if you are navigating new motherhood without your own mother by ...
05/09/2026

Mother’s Day can be one of the hardest days of the year if you are navigating new motherhood without your own mother by your side.
Whether she has passed away, is seriously ill, lives far away, or the relationship makes her support impossible or unsafe, that absence can bring up many different emotions. And if you have recently had a baby, you may be feeling it more acutely right now.
Research shows that 1 in 3 new mothers enters the postpartum period without her own mother’s support, and that this carries a measurable effect on mental health.
I have written about what the research tells us and what can help. ov
https://drsarahallen.com/mothering-without-a-mother/

1 in 3 new mothers goes through the postpartum period without her own mother. Dr. Sarah Allen explains the research and what helps.

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 anxie...
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.

Struggling to say "no" without feeling guilty? You're not alone. Many people fall into the trap of people-pleasing, but ...
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.

Anxiety can feel like a never-ending loop of "what-ifs" and overthinking. What if the key to managing anxiety isn’t chan...
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.

Do you ever feel anxious, but you can't quite explain why? Your body might be holding onto tension, keeping your nervous...
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.

As the new year begins, the pressure to set goals around diets and healthy eating can feel overwhelming. But what if the...
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.

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3400 Dundee Road Ste 245
Northbrook, IL
60062

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