Anxiety

Nervousness before a big job interview, presentation, or a major life change happens to everyone, but persistent, all-consuming anxiety warrants attention and support. With in-office and telepsychiatry appointments, Edward Macias, PMHNP-BC, and his team at Blue Mountain Psychiatry provide comprehensive care for all types of anxiety. Call the office in Seattle, Washington, or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a lasting mental health condition that causes excessive worry, fear, and heightened apprehension. 

It goes beyond the normal stress or nervousness experienced in challenging situations and can significantly affect daily life. Interacting with others, making decisions, and even leaving the house can feel difficult.

People with anxiety may find it challenging to control their thoughts and emotions, leading to a range of uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms.

Are there different types of anxiety?

Blue Mountain Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for multiple types of anxiety, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Specific phobias
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Agoraphobia
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Selective mutism
• Illness anxiety disorder
• Hoarding disorder
• Performance anxiety 

Many people with anxiety have more than one type or experience overlapping symptoms with depression.

What are the mental signs of anxiety?

Many people with anxiety experience mental symptoms such as:

• Racing thoughts
• Excessive worry
• Fear of the worst-case scenario
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Catastrophic thinking
• Intrusive thoughts
• Perfectionism
• Memory lapses
• Hypervigilance
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sense of impending doom
• Obsessive thoughts
• Difficulty making decisions

Many mental signs of anxiety accompany intense physical symptoms that can be difficult to pinpoint.

How can anxiety affect the body?

Anxiety can manifest in many physical ways. You may experience headaches, unexplained muscle tension, or a racing heart rate. 

Some people even sweat excessively when they feel anxious. Anxiety’s effects on your body can begin to diminish your sleep quality, leaving you groggy and unable to concentrate during the day.

What are the most effective anxiety treatments?

Anxiety requires personalized attention and support. A combination of therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication is typically the most effective approach to care. 

With a wide range of anxiety treatment options, the Blue Mountain Psychiatry team may recommend:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Medication (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, etc.)
• Lifestyle adjustments (exercise, nutrition, sleep)
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Support groups
• Biofeedback and neurofeedback
• Stress management strategies
• Exposure therapy
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

The right anxiety treatment can help you regain a sense of balance and control, enabling you to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and peace of mind.

Call Blue Mountain Psychiatry today or schedule an appointment online to receive collaborative support for anxiety.