Free Counseling is available to you virtually or in person. Please call 847-870-8181. We are here to listen.

At Hopeful Beginnings we can help with perinatal depression or anxiety with our Prenatal Counseling services.

Prenatal Counseling

Depression or anxiety that occurs during pregnancy is called perinatal depression or perinatal anxiety. Perinatal depression can include symptoms such as; frequent crying, mood swings, irritability, extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, loss of sexual interest, anxiety, appetite changes, negative scary thoughts, feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness and despair.

Perinatal anxiety includes symptoms similar to perinatal depression, but can also include; panic attacks, insomnia, low appetite, fears, and feeling shaky, dizzy or shortness of breath.

During a session with one of our knowledgeable and understanding counselors you will be able to have a safe space to discuss your concerns. Our counseling services are free and confidential. Call us at 847-870-8181 to schedule your first session.

What are the signs of perinatal depression?
  • Feeling restless or irritable.
  • Feeling depressed, sad or crying a lot.
  • Having no energy.
  • Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (heart beating fast and/or feeling like it is skipping beats), numbness, or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing).
  • Not being able to sleep or being very tired, or both.
  • Not being able to eat and weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
  • Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
  • Being overly worried about the baby.
  • Not having any interest in the baby.
  • Feeling worthless and guilty.
  • Being afraid of hurting the baby or yourself.
  • No interest or pleasure in activities, including sex.
What if I need medication in addition to counseling?

Deciding if you need medication is a decision best made between you and your medical provider, usually it’s a psychiatrist prescribing your medication. A combination of counseling and medication will help decrease your symptoms.

Who is at risk for getting postpartum depression?

Women may be a greater risk of developing a postpartum depression if, they have a history of depression, they have had postpartum depression following a previous pregnancy, they have experienced stressful events during the previous year, or they have a weak support system.

How much does it cost?

Our counseling services are free.

Is my session confidential?

Yes. There are a few instances when a counselor may need to disclose information without written consent. Those situations include: to protect the client or public from harm, abuse or neglect of a child, the elderly, or a person with disabilities, or when there is a court order.

How long are my sessions?

Sessions are typically 45 minutes to an hour. During your first appointment, we ask that you allow an hour and a half in order to complete paperwork and an intake.

Resources

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact one of the crisis lines below or call 911.

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.

Reach Out to Us

Contact Hopeful Beginnings regarding our services or any general questions you have. One of our counselors will be in touch with you shortly. You may also call 847-870-8181 or email information@hopefulbeginning.org for additional information.

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