Evanston Counseling Blog

Life Post-Pandemic, Social Anxiety and Panic Attacks Rising? How to Cope and Thrive

We have spent so much of the past 15 months indoors with limited access to our “normal” activities and livelihoods. Many of us battled being lonely. At times, the acute stress brought on by all of the unknowns weighed us down.

How do we deal with the social anxiety and panic attacks from resuming our “normal” activities? You've been vaccinated, do you want to be indoors with others without wearing a mask? Which activities do you resume?

All of these questions create a new, palpable swirl of anxiety. In my Evanston/Chicago-based practice, my clients struggle to find answers that support the peace they want to create in their post-pandemic lives.

Intense thoughts, constant worry and fear after delivery, could it be postpartum anxiety?

You’ve heard of postpartum depression. But have you heard of postpartum anxiety? Many women experience it. They feel lonely as they deal with their racing and self-labeled irrational thoughts. “No one else must be feeling this,” they say to themselves, “it’s not talked about.”

Are you in the Evanston or greater Chicagoland area? As postpartum therapists, we are well-acquainted with what you are feeling. We have journeyed with other moms like you through this season and aided them in living with greater peace.

Mental Health and Wellness, Moms

Loneliness, no joy, severe anxiety after giving birth: Is it postpartum depression?

Isn’t it odd how we can feel so lonely like we are the only one experiencing something? Our “mom anxiety” kicks in, and we have imagined the most horrible circumstances that no one else has ever lived. Add in the fatigue and sleep deprivation of caring for a newborn, and the perfect storm swirls around us, threatening to sink our ship.

Maternal Mental Health, Moms

Pregnancy Depression? How to Know and What to Do for you and baby

You might be like many other pregnant women. Somewhere in the course of your pregnancy, you no longer feel like getting out of bed. Nothing seems to console you and you can’t stop crying. You spend your days going from your bed to your couch. The television blares constantly and barely dampens the sadness you feel. You have had a few suicidal thoughts, but you feel like you would never act on them. You’ve been thinking maybe you should see someone who does counseling for moms.

Chronic Pain, GI Distress

Tired of IBS chronic pain and GI distress? Hypnosis is worth a try to ease pain

It wasn’t until 15 to 20 years ago that clinical health psychologist Olafur Palsson, PsyD, crafted a treatment protocol to use with his patients suffering from IBS. His clients saw their irritable bowel symptoms like cramping, bloating and gas diminish after participating in several sessions of hypnotherapy.

CBT, Chronic Pain, GI Distress

Lower anxiety and beat chronic pain with CBT for IBS and GI Distress

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a form of therapy that works to modify your thinking and behavioral patterns. It can work wonderfully to lessen the feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and despair that often accompany IBS gastrointestinal distress and chronic pain.

CBT works through the brain-gut pathway. Take a look at this blog to learn more about the brain-gut pathway.