Treatment for stress

There aren't any specific treatments for stress. But there are treatments for some of the signs and symptoms of stress. These might help if you're finding it hard to manage stress yourself.

This page covers:

This page is part of our guide to:

Stress

Visit our page on managing stress and building resilience to find tips for taking care of yourself when you feel stressed.

Speaking to your GP

It might help to speak to your GP if:

You're experiencing a lot of stress
You've felt stressed for a long time
Your feelings of stress are affecting your physical or mental health

If stress is causing you physical health problems, your GP may run some tests to see how they can help manage the symptoms.

They may suggest things like relaxation to help you manage your stress. Or some tips to improve your mental wellbeing. They might be able to refer you to social prescribing, if it's available in your area.

Social prescribing is a form of community-based treatment. It helps you deal with social issues affecting your health. For example, this might include support for loneliness, money problems or physical activity.

It can also help you find activities that improve your wellbeing. For example, arts and gardening classes, or volunteering opportunities.

See our page on talking to your GP for tips on how to discuss how you're feeling with your doctor.

Social prescribing helps you find lots of different activities and support in your local community that can help you turn things around.

Medication

There's no specific medication for stress. But there are medications that can help reduce or manage some of the signs and symptoms of stress.

For example, your doctor might offer to prescribe:

Sleeping pills or minor tranquillisers, if you're having trouble sleeping
Antidepressants, if you're experiencing depression or anxiety alongside stress
Medication to treat any physical symptoms of stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or high blood pressure

Before deciding to take any drug, it's important to make sure you have all the facts you need to make an informed choice.

Our pages on psychiatric medication include information on:

Things to consider before taking medication
Your right to refuse medication
Coming off psychiatric medication safely

Talking therapy

Talking with a trained professional could help you find ways to deal with stress. And it can help you become more aware of your own thoughts and feelings.

Talking therapies might also help if your stress has caused other mental health problems.

There's lots of different talking therapies. Some of them may help you. But not all of them will be suitable for your situation. Our pages on talking therapy and counselling have more information about different types of therapy.

In England, you can self-refer for therapy using the online NHS talking therapies finder. In Wales, you can self-refer for free online therapy through SilverCloud.

You can also ask your GP to refer you for therapy. Or ask them what services are available in your local area.

You may also be able to find therapy and classes from charities and third sector organisations to help with stress. This might include support from your local Mind.

Our page on how to find therapy or counselling has more information.

Complementary and alternative therapies

You may find certain complementary and alternative therapies helpful in treating signs and symptoms of stress. These may include:

Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Some herbal remedies and cannabis-based medicines
Hypnotherapy
Massage
Tai Chi
Yoga and meditation

You can try some of these therapies on your own. Others are usually done as part of a class or one-to-one session.

See our pages on complementary and alternative therapies for more about these therapies, and many others.

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