Stress

Stress is the psychological, emotional, or physical strain that we experience when faced with an external obstacle. It’s your body’s reaction to certain events. The discomfort we experience is often related to our perceptions of our own capacity to deal with the event as well as how we actually respond to the event.

Stress can be a brief, short-term experience or a long-term problem. Short-term stress is normal and can actually be helpful. Stress causes our brains to release adrenaline, which actually aids us in accomplishing tasks, being motivated, and solving problems. Chronic stress, however, can lead to psychological and physiological problems. Research indicates that the consequences are serious; chronic stress contributes to anxiety, depression, obesity, high blood pressure, poor immune functioning, and heart disease.

Chronic stress and anxiety can actually be hard to differentiate. Both are emotional responses, their symptoms are nearly identical, and they respond to similar coping mechanisms. Stress, as opposed to anxiety, is typically caused by an external trigger. Job stress, holidays, discrimination, relationship problems, and chronic illness are common catalysts for stress. Anxiety, specifically Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is defined by persistent and excessive worries that don’t go away even when the stressor is removed.

All too often, our society normalizes chronic stress and we don’t address it. The good news - chronic stress can be treated!

Minority stress is a specific type of stress that presents when there are discrepancies and conflict between the values of a minority group and society. Especially impacting LGBT people and racial minorities who face stigmatization and prejudice, minority stress increases the likelihood that someone will experience mental illness and physical health problems. In fact, much of the research on LGBT mental health indicates that minority stress is a significant factor in higher rates of anxiety, substance use, and depression.

While a stress therapist can’t eliminate the causes of minority stress, LGBT and people of color can benefit from better understanding the role of minority stress on their experience.

If you’re looking for a therapist for stress in Chicago, Tandem Psychology may be the solution for you.

Stress can disguise itself in a variety of forms:

• Burnout
• Family
• Disordered Eating
• Anxiety and Worry
• Relationship Problems Financial Stress
• Low Motivation
• ADHD and Problems with Attention
• Minority Stress
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Chronic Pain
• Assertiveness Problems

Chronic stress doesn’t have to control your life. Our therapists for stress in Lakeview, use research proven methods - CBT, ACT, internal family systems, mindfulness, psychodynamic approaches, and strong therapeutic relationships - to help you get relief and live your life to the fullest. In therapy you can learn to control your body’s responses to stress, eliminate stressors, begin meditating, improve your sleep, address sexual problems, and manage your irritability.

Chronic stress can make us feel trapped and hopeless - you’re not. Regain the joy in your life today.

If you’re looking for help managing stress, please schedule an in-person appointment at our Lakeview offices or a telehealth appointment to meet virtually. We have a team of exceptionally trained and experienced psychologists, social workers, and clinical counselors ready to help you overcome stress and live the life you want.