Anxiety

Anxiety can have a significant impact on various aspects of a person's life including social life, work or school life, physical health, sleep, quality of life, mental health, and family dynamics.

At Moving Forward Washington, Dr. Nehemiah Zarate-Rourke, DNP, serves patients throughout Washington State via telehealth appointment. To learn more, call or request an appointment online.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats. It's characterized by feelings of apprehension, worry, and nervousness, often accompanied by physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. While occasional anxiety is normal, excessive or persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder.

What are signs of anxiety?

Signs of anxiety can vary widely from person to person, but some personalized indicators may include:

• Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating.
• Physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort.
• Avoidance behaviors or a strong desire to escape from certain situations.
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Irritability or feeling on edge.
• Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, like noise or light.
• Specific fears or worries that are difficult to control.
• Social withdrawal or difficulty in social situations.
• Increased self-doubt or negative self-talk.
• Panic attacks, characterized by sudden intense fear or discomfort.

It's important to note that experiencing one or more of these signs doesn't necessarily mean someone has anxiety disorder, but if these symptoms persist and significantly impact daily life, it maybe beneficial to seek support from mental health services such as Moving Forward Washington.

What are the different types of anxiety disorders?

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fith Edition), the main types of anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Specific Phobia
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Selective Mutism
• Other Specified Anxiety Disorder
• Unspecified Anxiety Disorder

How are anxiety disorders treated?

Treatment plans are often individulized based on the specific needs and preferences of each person and it may take some time to find the most effective combination of treatments. At Moving Forward Washington, Dr. Zarate-Rourke, DNP works collaboratively with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or counseling, provides a supportive space to explore thoughtsand emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapy are effective in addressing the root causes of anxiety.

Medication

For some individuals, medication may be recommended to rebalance neurotransmitters in the brain. Dr. Zarate-Rourke, DNP carefully assesses each patient's needs to prescribe medication when appropriate.

Lifestyle changes

Healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, play a vital role in managing anxiety. Dr. Zarate-Rourke, DNP collaborates with patients to incorporate positive changes into their daily routines.

Take the first step towards healing. At Moving Forward Washington, Dr. Zarate-Rourke, DNP takes a compassionate approach, coupled with evidence-based treatments, empowering individuals to regain control of their lives. Contact the office today by phone or online to book a telehealth appointment.