Kim has always been a social butterfly, but since her twin sister moved away she’s been isolating herself more and more. Being alone just feels easier, less painful. When she sees friends, she finds herself worrying that she’s said the wrong thing. After hanging out, she replays conversations in her head over and over again, sure that she’s offended someone. She feels acutely self-conscious when she’s in public. She assumes that everyone is looking at her, that they can sense what a loser she is. The feelings can be paralyzing and they make Kim just want to lock her door and never venture out again. The last time she went to the pharmacy she ran into an old acquaintance from high school in the toothpaste aisle and she thought she was going to have a panic attack. Kim knows it’s time to get control of her social anxiety.
Anxiety disorders can manifest in a lot of different feelings and behaviors. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL can help explore your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan so you can start feeling in control again.
Anxiety Can Affect Anyone in Society
You may think that if you just had more money, or less work stress, or fewer domestic headaches, that you wouldn’t have issues with anxiety. But the truth is that anxiety can affect anyone, no matter how good one’s life looks from the outside. Take celebrities, for example. The following celebs have been outspoken about their personal histories with anxiety:
- Ariana Grande, who has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the fatal bombing at one of her concerts in 2017
- Zayn Malik, who went public with his anxiety after leaving the band One Direction
- Kendall Jenner, who has admitted to panic attacks
- Naomi Osaka, who has faced social anxiety and depression even as a star tennis player
- Lena Dunham, who has contended with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Selena Gomez, who has suffered from panic attacks related to her chronic illness
It doesn’t matter how powerful, beautiful, rich, or successful you are. We all grapple with similar worries and fears. But when they start taking over your life and routinely sapping enjoyment from everyday activities, it’s probably time to see an anxiety therapist at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL.
Treating Anxiety with Therapy in Champaign, IL
The good news for those suffering from some manner of anxiety is that these disorders are highly treatable. Mental health providers are always pioneering innovative ways to treat both the symptoms and the psychological origins of anxiety. These specialized therapists may use the following types of treatment:
- Biofeedback, where you use neurological signals to inform subtle physiological changes that can positively influence your emotions
- Art and music therapy, a creative and nonverbal way of addressing symptoms of anxiety
- Medication, in alliance with a psychiatrist who can prescribe drugs
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), a technique that can help clients reprocess their trauma in a healthier way through bilateral movement
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on modifying your potentially maladaptive thought patterns such as “black and white” thinking
- Exposure therapy, where your therapist gradually introduces you to objects or situations that cause anxiety (“systematic desensitization”) within the supportive environment of therapy
- Psychotherapy, where you and your therapist examine and treat your anxiety through a dynamic process of talking, listening, and offering feedback
Anxiety Can Affect Your Physical Health, Too
When you seek anxiety therapy at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL, you’re not just helping your brain. You’re helping your body as well. After all, our physical and psychological systems are all interconnected. That’s why clients suffering from anxiety, which can feel like being in a constant state of fight-or-flight, can also suffer related physical ailments as well, for instance:
- Weight changes
- Sleep issues
- Digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Migraines and headaches
- Concentration or memory issues
- Major and mild depression
An anxiety therapist can help you identify and manage all the effects of anxiety on your life. Better coping skills learned at Thriveworks can produce positive results in both mind and body.
Book Your Session with an Anxiety Therapist at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL
Thriveworks anxiety therapists are highly trained, fully-licensed, and top-rated so they can offer you the best support and guidance in your sessions. We pride ourselves on being able to get you talking to a therapist face-to-face, whether that’s online or in-person, within 24-48 hours. And more than 97 percent of sessions with mental health providers at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL start on time or early.
As added benefits, our clients also receive:
- Email and phone access to providers between sessions
- Ask-a-coach 24hr Q&A
- Acceptance of major health insurance
- Exclusive video content
Start working through your anxiety with one of our exceptional counselors as soon as tomorrow. Give us a call now to book your first appointment at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL.