I have stress and anxiety. How can I handle it without medication?

Thank you so much for reaching out and asking this question; I feel that this is something a lot of people are wanting to know the answer too; how do I manage stress and anxiety without medication? This is a really great question. It makes me wonder how long this has been going on for you too, and what your relationship to anxiety and stress has been throughout your life.

It sounds like there is a lot going on for you right now and you are really worried. I can hear in your question how much you want to feel in control of your anxiety and stress, and are really wanting to work on this right now. I think that in order to find out how to handle to stress and anxiety that comes up, therapy can be incredibly helpful.

Therapy allows you to begin to think about why the stress and anxiety is there, and then think about different tools and coping strategies that work well for you. Unfortunately there isn't a 'quick fix' (although it would be great if there was!) and it can take time and energy. However you're at the right place with BetterHelp! There are lots of therapists, like myself, you can work with on anxiety and stress management. We all have slightly different ways of working too, so it's important you find someone that you feel comfortable with. If you ever want to explore additional support, BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as another care option alongside therapy, and medication management may be considered when clinically appropriate based on a provider evaluation.

What I usually say to people is that anxiety and stress are a part of our lives, and can, sometimes, be helpful. They are feelings that have been with us for a long time and are helpful to enable us to be aware of danger and respond appropriately. Anxiety can be like an overly helpful friend at times, it's trying to help us but sometimes can get it a little wrong and it isn't actually helpful when in overdrive.

I also tend to say to people what do they do to help them calm their mind and body, and relax at times. For some this might be watching the TV, for others it might be reading a book or seeing friends, it really is what works best for you!

In the long term though it is most helpful to work through these concerns with a therapist, as they will be able to think through strategies that are personalized for you - and as I said above, anxiety and stress are there for a reason!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can mental health conditions be treated without medication?

Yes. Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated without medication. Therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based modalities can help address the thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns underlying conditions like anxiety and depression. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and social support also play a meaningful role in mental health. A licensed therapist or psychiatric provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your individual needs.

When is therapy alone recommended over medication?

Therapy alone may be recommended when symptoms are mild to moderate, when a person prefers to avoid medication, or when a provider determines that talk-based treatment is the most appropriate first step. For some conditions, therapy has been shown to produce lasting results by building coping skills and addressing root causes. In other cases, a combination of therapy and medication may be more effective. Treatment decisions are always made by a licensed provider based on a full evaluation of your symptoms, history, and goals.

What is online psychiatry and medication management?

Online psychiatry and medication management provide virtual access to licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who evaluate mental health symptoms, create treatment plans, and prescribe medication when clinically appropriate. Care is delivered through secure video appointments, making it easier to access support without long wait times or travel.

Does BetterHelp offer psychiatry and medication management services?

Yes. BetterHelp offers psychiatry and medication management services through its partnership with UpLift, providing virtual access to licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. These services are available to adults (18+) and may include psychiatric evaluations, treatment planning, and medication management when clinically appropriate. Psychiatry is designed to complement therapy as part of a holistic mental health care approach, with all treatment decisions made by licensed providers based on individual needs.

How does medication management work online?

Medication management typically begins with a psychiatric evaluation, where a provider reviews your symptoms, history, and goals. If appropriate, they may prescribe medication and schedule follow-up visits to monitor effectiveness, adjust dosage, and address side effects. Treatment is personalized and based on your clinical needs.

Can an online psychiatrist prescribe medication?

Yes, licensed psychiatric providers can prescribe many commonly used mental health medications online, including treatments for anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. However, prescribing decisions are based on a clinical evaluation, and not all medications are appropriate or guaranteed. Controlled substances are not prescribed.

Is online psychiatry effective for mental health treatment?

Research shows that online psychiatry can be an effective form of treatment for many conditions, including anxiety and depression. Virtual care allows for faster access to providers, ongoing monitoring, and consistent support, which can improve outcomes when combined with therapy or other treatments.

What conditions can be treated with online psychiatry?

Online psychiatry and medication management can support a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders. Providers create individualized treatment plans based on your symptoms, which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Do I need therapy if I’m using medication management?

Medication management and therapy often work best together. While psychiatry focuses on diagnosis and medication, therapy helps address thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns. Many people benefit from a combined approach, but your provider will recommend care based on your specific needs.