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

Hi there.

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 quesiton 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 for you, and then think about different tools and coping strategies that work well for you too. 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. 

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 (if you think evolutionary if you believe in that) and was 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.

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! 

I do hope that helps.

Best wishes,

Nikki