clarity clinic

Stress

Clarity Clinic is your partner in understanding and managing stress for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Our team of dedicated mental health professionals is here to guide you through evidence-based strategies and personalized techniques to help you navigate the challenges of stress and find lasting tranquility.
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What is Stress

Stress is how the brain and body respond to any demand or threat. The stress response is the body’s way of protecting people. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline. But when stress lasts for a long time, it may harm your health. When an individual senses danger the body’s automatic process, known as “fight-or-flight” kicks in, and is also known as the “stress response.”

When an individual feels threatened, the nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. The heart consequently pounds faster, the muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, the breath quickens, and the senses become sharper.

These physical changes increase strength and stamina, speed up reaction time, and enhance focus. This prepares them to either fight or flee from the danger at hand. The stress response is the body’s way of keeping people safe, and depending on the situation, a stress response can save a life in a dangerous situation, or keep an individual alert and focused during a work presentation.

Stress can be caused by various situations and pressures, which are also known as stressors. Stress can also be caused by internal factors or self-generated. What is considered stressful is very dependent on the individual themselves and how they cope with symptoms of stress. Below is a list of possible causes of stress.

Common Causes of Stress

Common external causes of stress include: 

  • Major life changes
  • Work or school
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Financial problems
  • Being too busy
  • Children and Family

 

Common internal causes of stress include:

  • Pessimism
  • Inability to accept uncertainty
  • Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility
  • Negative self-talk
  • Unrealistic expectations/perfectionism
  • All-or-nothing attitude

 

Good Stress vs. Bad Stress

When talking about stress, it is mostly discussed in a ”negative” light, but there can be “good” stress and “bad stress.” Good stress also referred to as eustress, is the type of stress that individuals feel when they are excited. Similar to when the body feels threatened, when the body is experiencing excitement, like a first date or on a rollercoaster, the heart pounds or an individual’s pulse may rise. This kind of stress keeps us excited about life and feeling alive.

Good stress can help people meet daily challenges or motivate individuals to reach certain goals and is short-term. Good stress can help focus energy and sometimes improve memory. Bad stress, also known as distress, is what causes anxiety, short-term or long-term, and feels unpleasant. This type of stress is what can lead to mental and physical problems.

Common Effects of Stress

A universal problem with stress is that many individuals become accustomed to experiencing stress that they normalize it without coping with it. Many individuals are not aware of how the stress they are experiencing is impacting them, especially if the amount of stress is consistent and intense, like chronic stress. Acute stress, on the other hand, triggers the stress response as well, but in itself, does not take a heavy toll if the individual relaxes quickly. It is crucial to be aware of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress overload.

Cognitive symptoms:

  • Memory problems
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Poor judgment
  • Seeing only the negative
  • Anxious or racing thoughts
  • Constant worrying

 

Emotional symptoms:

  • Depression or general unhappiness
  • Anxiety and agitation
  • Moodiness, irritability, or anger
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Other mental or emotional health problems

 

Physical symptoms:

  • Aches and pains
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea, dizziness
  • Chest pain, rapid heart rate
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Frequent colds or flu

 

Behavioral symptoms:

  • Eating more or less
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
  • Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
  • Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

 

Our Holistic Approach to Stress Management

Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone of our stress management approach. Through CBT, you'll learn to identify and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to stress. Our stress therapists will guide you in developing healthier cognitive strategies, enabling you to approach challenges with clarity and resilience.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can significantly reduce stress and promote a sense of inner calm. Our experts will introduce you to mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and other techniques that empower you to manage stress as it arises.

Medication Management

There are no specific treatments for stress. But there are treatments for some of the signs and symptoms of stress. These might help if you are finding it difficult to manage stress yourself. Our experienced psychiatrists work closely with you to determine whether medication is an appropriate part of your treatment plan for stress management.

Lifestyle Modifications

Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference in managing stress. Our team will work with you to identify lifestyle modifications, including exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene, that contribute to improved stress resilience and overall well-being.

Holistic Therapies

Incorporating holistic therapies into your stress management plan can amplify your results. Yoga, meditation, art therapy, and nature-based activities can provide creative outlets and relaxation opportunities that nurture your well-being.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Stress management is a lifelong skill. At Clarity Clinic, we're committed to providing ongoing support even after formal treatment concludes. Our aftercare programs, support groups, and resources are designed to help you sustain your progress and manage stress effectively over time.

Embark on Your Journey to Tranquility

Stress doesn't have to control your life. At Clarity Clinic, we believe that by harnessing the power of proven strategies and compassionate support, you can reclaim your sense of balance and well-being. Our dedicated team is here to guide you on your journey to lasting stress management.

Stress Providers

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Black, LCPC
Director of Clinical Therapy- Lakeview
Jessica
Jessica Selk, LPC
Therapy
Bellah
Bellah Kiteki, LPC
Therapy
Eldina
Eldina Okic, LCPC
Therapy
Rebecca
Rebecca Helm, LSW
Therapy
Peri
Peri Drury, Clinical Intern
Therapy
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA
Psychiatry
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Ehler, LSW
Therapy
Cesar
Cesar Feijoo, PA-C
PA-C
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Maisha
Maisha Lowery, LCPC
Therapy
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Hope
Hope Hirsch, LPC
Therapist
Nathaniel
Nathaniel Epstein, MA
Therapist
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Maggie
Maggie Semprevivo, LSW
Therapy
Kamille
Kamille Haywood, LSW
Therapy
Michelle
Michelle Augoustatos, LCSW
Therapy
Zachary
Zachary Delgado, LSW
Therapy
Nicholas
Nicholas Zaris, MA
Therapy
Jordyn
Jordyn Pope, MA
Therapist
Laurel
Laurel Meiborg, LSW
Therapy
Haley
Haley Tarling, LPC
Therapist
Debby
Debby Fox, MA
Therapist
Raul
Raul Andrade, MA
Therapist
Sarah
Sarah Tarabey, LCPC
Therapist
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Kyla
Kyla Goggin, LCSW
Therapist
Michele
Michele Sitorus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Jaimee
Jaimee Jaucian, LCPC, BC-DMT
Therapy
Yenisis
Yenisis De Los Santos, LSW
Therapy
Sloan
Sloan Kodroff, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Rahael
Rahael Mathew, LCPC
Therapist
Megan
Megan Becker, PA-C
PA-C
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Tonie
Tonie White, LCSW
Therapy
Jason
Jason Brescia, LCPC
Therapy
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Virginia
Virginia Harren, LCPC
Clinical Supervisor
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Callie
Callie Perlman, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Maria
Maria Vasilopoulos, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Chad
Chad Gaynier, LCPC
Therapist
Bianca
Bianca Miller, LCPC
Therapist
Sean
Sean Saltzberg, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Victoria
Victoria Nieman, LCPC
Therapist
Timothy
Timothy Kaatman, MD
Psychiatry
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Tara
Tara Ufer, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sara
Sara Fakhri, MA
Therapy
Veronika
Veronika Schroeder, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Sarah
Sarah Smith, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Sean
Sean Saltzberg, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Shanta
Shanta Gomez, LSW
Therapy
Reggie
Reggie Pacheco, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Sarah
Sarah Beerman, LCSW, CADC
Therapist
Renie
Renie Stoller-Zak, LCPC
Therapy
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Rachael
Rachael Pettinicchi, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Shelby
Shelby Gordon, LCSW
Therapy
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Nicole
Nicole Ortiz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Raymond
Raymond Monge, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Melissa
Melissa Melzer, LPC
Therapy
Mary
Mary Leighton, LPC
Therapy
Raymond
Raymond Myles, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Michael
Michael Colombatto, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Michela
Michela Stevenson, MA
Therapy
Lovea
Lovea Smith, LCPC
Director of Therapy– Loop
Mariyah
Mariyah Hussain, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Leslie
Leslie Wolf, LCPC
Therapist
Marc
Marc Sandrolini, MD
Psychiatry
Maddie
Maddie Barnes, LCSW, PMH-C
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Lindsey
Lindsey Ashamalla, PsyD (PD)
Therapist
Khrystyna
Khrystyna Helner, LPC, MBA
Therapist
Laura
Laura Schroeder, LCPC
Therapist
Katerina
Katerina Fager, LCPC
Clinical Specialist
Kelli
Kelli Lo, LSW
Therapy
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Karen
Karen Richardson, LCSW, ICDVP
Therapy
Keri
Keri Perillo, LCPC, CADC
Therapy
Lizzie
Lizzie Ausland, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Kimberlie
Kimberlie Kuehne, LCPC
Therapy
Katherine
Katherine Evans, LCPC
Therapist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Karla
Karla Avila-Polanco, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Delaney, MA, ATR-P
Therapy
James
James Histed, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Keith
Keith Merrifield, LCSW, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP
Therapist
Julia
Julia Ray, Clinical Intern
Therapy
Kayleen
Kayleen Bare, LPC
Therapy
Jessica
Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Erika
Erika Bielenstein, LCPC
Therapist
Janel
Janel Wenger, AMFT
Therapist
Ivy
Ivy Poma, PA-C
PA-C
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Julie
Julie Daley, MSW
Therapy Clinical Intern
Hattie
Hattie Awe, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Jodi
Jodi Randle, LCPC, CADC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Emily
Emily Schaffer, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Maurer, LCPC
Therapist
Frank
Frank Sassetti, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Shelton, LCPC, LMHC, CADC, CAGCS, CRSS
Therapy
Eric
Eric Buchkoe, PsyD (PD)
Therapy
Tyler
Tyler Basham, Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Russell, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Thomas
Thomas Thurlow, NP
Psychiatry
Dawn
Dawn Leatherman-Kulis, LCPC
Therapy
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Kathryn
Kathryn Ross, PA-C
Psychiatry
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Irena
Irena Markova, PMHNP
Psychiatry
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Daniel
Daniel Shuter, LSW
Therapist
Victoria
Victoria Akhteebo, LPC
Therapy
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Darian
Darian Carter, LPC
Therapy
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Ali
Ali Sheikha, PA-C
PA-C
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Stella
Stella Tantillo, LSW
Therapy
Samuel
Samuel Budyszewick, LCSW
Director of Therapy- Evanston
Sydney
Sydney Means, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Sara
Sara Pickens, LSW
Therapy
Ryan
Ryan Watters, LSW, CADC
Therapy
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Cindy
Cindy Meraz, LPC
Therapy
Chloe
Chloe Wesley, Clinical Intern
Therapy
Nayeli
Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
Therapy
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Nicholas
Nicholas Little, PA-C
PA-C
Samantha
Samantha Espinosa, MA
Therapy
Randi
Randi Schulman, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Savanna
Savanna Murphy, LSW
Therapy
Kaitlin
Kaitlin Digrispino, LPC
Therapy
Madison
Madison Gunter,
Therapy Clinical Intern
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Khadija
Khadija Manzoor, LPC, CRC
Therapy
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Stanley, LCSW
Therapy
Meredith
Meredith Henry, LSW
Therapy
Mark
Mark Bey, LPC
Therapy
Samantha
Samantha Adjekum, LCPC
Therapy
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Joel
Joel Muller, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Therapy- River North
Mary
Mary Ivory, LCPC
Therapy
Cynthia
Cynthia Sodini, LCSW
Therapy
Jessica
Jessica Baran, LCPC
Therapy
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Jacqueline
Jacqueline Campagna, MA, EdS
Therapy
Jordan
Jordan Valentic-Holden, MA
Therapy
Jerri
Jerri Ganz, LCSW
Therapy
Katherine
Katherine Cunningham, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Elia
Elia Narvaez-Mushtaq, LPC
Therapy
Heather
Heather Holmes, PA-C
PA-C
Sam
Sam Donham, LCPC
Therapy
Carol
Carol Briggs, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Emily
Emily Filip, PA-C
PA-C
Gloria
Gloria Aguilar, LPC
Therapy
Cristina
Cristina From, LPC, MS
Therapy
Emily
Emily Mathews, MA, ATR-P
Therapy
Autumn
Autumn Holtschlag, ALMFT, LPC
Therapy
Liz
Liz Hand, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Dane
Dane Davlantis, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Carolyn
Carolyn Tatar, AMFT
Therapist
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Dillon
Dillon Pfau, LSW
Therapy
Bridget
Bridget Brodlo, MA
Therapy
Courtney
Courtney Daly, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Candace
Candace Clark, LCSW
Therapy
Christopher
Christopher Edwards, LCSW
Therapist
Carolyn
Carolyn Klinkert, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Angelina
Angelina Wheeler, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Abbey
Abbey DeBaene, LCSW, CADC
Therapy
Brittany
Brittany Wilson, LPC
Therapy
Brent
Brent Hope, LCSW
Therapy
Carleigh
Carleigh Joseph, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Corrin
Corrin Bogan, Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Bakhtawar
Bakhtawar Usman, PA-C
Psychiatry
Antonina
Antonina Lunetta, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C
Aimee
Aimee Daramus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Anita
Anita Weber, LSW
Therapy
Alice
Alice Davies, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Anakaren
Anakaren Galarza, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern

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