Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States — and Washington State is no exception. From the pressure of Seattle’s tech industry to the isolation of rural communities, anxiety wears many faces. The good news: anxiety is highly treatable, and you can now access expert psychiatric care from anywhere in Washington via telehealth.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. But an anxiety disorder involves excessive, persistent worry or fear that interferes with daily functioning and doesn’t go away on its own. There are several types:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) — chronic worry about multiple areas of life
- Social Anxiety Disorder — intense fear of social situations and judgment
- Panic Disorder — recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
- Specific Phobias — intense fear of specific objects or situations
- Agoraphobia — fear of situations where escape might be difficult
Anxiety disorders often overlap with depression, insomnia, and OCD. Learn more about anxiety care at Abroi Psychiatry.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
- Persistent worry that’s hard to control
- Racing heart, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts
- Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
- Irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Feeling on edge or easily startled
- GI symptoms like nausea or stomach upset
Anxiety Treatment Options
Medication
Several medications are highly effective for anxiety disorders. SSRIs (like sertraline or escitalopram) and SNRIs (like venlafaxine or duloxetine) are typically first-line treatments. Buspirone is another non-habit-forming option. For short-term relief, low-dose benzodiazepines may be appropriate in specific situations. Your provider will determine the safest, most effective approach for your individual situation.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety, teaching you to identify and challenge anxious thought patterns and gradually face feared situations. Abroi Psychiatry specializes in medication management and can coordinate care with a therapist for a comprehensive approach.
Lifestyle Strategies
Regular exercise, sleep hygiene, reduced caffeine, mindfulness, and stress management techniques can meaningfully reduce anxiety symptoms alongside clinical treatment.
Online Anxiety Treatment Across Washington State
At Abroi Psychiatry, Beth Checol, PMHNP-BC provides expert anxiety evaluation and medication management via secure telehealth, serving patients across Washington State — including Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Spokane, Olympia, Everett, Bellingham, Kennewick, Yakima, and beyond.
For people with social anxiety in particular, telehealth removes one of the biggest barriers to getting help — having to walk into a clinic and interact with strangers. You can attend your appointment from the familiar comfort of your own home.
Ready to Feel Calmer?
Anxiety can be exhausting — but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Contact Abroi Psychiatry today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief.