What is Anxiety Like?

Anxiety is something we all experience at some point in our lives, whether it’s before a big speech or a promising first date. But for some people, anxiety becomes more than a passing moment, and starts to affect their daily life.

You may notice an impact on your work or school performance, your romantic relationships, or even your social situations. You may avoid new or necessary experiences, such as flying on planes or ordering food. For a short time, avoiding these things may make you feel better. But in the long term, it can hold you back and keep you stuck.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like Physically?

Common physical symptoms of anxiety include tight muscles, a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and an upset stomach. You may also feel restlessness or jittery.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like in Your Head?

Anxiety can create a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. You may find that your mind is racing with fear, thinking of the worst things that can happen. Anxiety makes it challenging to focus or just be in the present moment. Overthinking, intrusive thoughts, and an overwhelming feeling may contribute to a sense of losing control. An overly active mind can make it difficult to sleep.

What Types of Anxiety Disorders are Addressed in Therapy?

• Generalized Anxiety is the constant and intense worry about various aspects of life, even when there is no reason for concern. It can affect work, health, relationships, friends, school, day-to-day life, and more.

• Social Anxiety is the intense fear or worry about social situations. People with social anxiety are afraid of being judged, critiqued or embarrassed in social situations. Individuals with social anxiety tend to avoid public speaking, ordering at restaurants, answering questions in class, entering new social settings, or calling to make appointments.

• Specific Phobias are intense, irrational fears of a particular object, situation, or activity. These fears often lead to avoidance behaviors and extreme anxiety when faced with the object or activity they are afraid of. For instance, a person may be afraid of spiders, flying, heights, etc.

• Stress Management is the practice of using strategies and techniques to reduce the effects of stress on your mental and physical health. Stress is the body’s natural response to a challenge or threat. Stress triggers physiological responses, known as the “fight or flight” response, which prepares us to either face or run away from a threat. While this response is essential for survival in some situations, long-term stress can negatively impact your physical and mental health.

Get Relief With Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety therapy can help you cope with overwhelming feelings and distressing symptoms. In anxiety therapy, you’ll learn how to calm your racing thoughts and heartbeat. I use methods from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to address negative thinking and unhelpful behaviors. Since anxiety disorders vary, we'll personalize the treatment to your specific symptoms and fears. In the end, you'll see situations in a less threatening light, allowing you to take control of your life.

Get Started with Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Evanston, Chicago, IL and Beyond

Anxiety therapy provides a supportive space for adults to explore, understand, and manage their anxiety-related challenges. Learn practical strategies and skills to help you navigate and overcome the impact of anxiety on your daily life. Ivy Ellis, LCSW offers supportive and empathic counseling to help adults with anxiety disorders in Evanston, Chicago, and beyond. Ivy, at Empathic Counseling Center, offers online therapy for anxious adults in Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, Indiana, and Michigan. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC inclusive and affirming.