Depends a lot on what sort of “stressed out” I’m experiencing. In some cases, I might benefit from finding boyfriend for a cuddle or a walk outside. In some cases, playing a moderately to highly captivating game might be a good distraction to let the emotions pass. In other cases, I might be better served solving sudoku or similar logic puzzles, which let me zone out and concentrate on something with no emotional component whatsoever. I use that one a lot when I need to take a step away from a situation that’s upset me.
Sometimes, I just need to take my damn benzos. XD But that’s because I have an anxiety disorder and now and again it’s the only thing that will stop my brain chewing on itself. (This might happen a few times a month, at most; I go through that prescription very slowly.)
I would never recommend against therapy, tbh. Everyone would benefit from it, not just people who struggle with mental illness. Therapists don’t solve your problems; they give you tools to cope with them better.
Like, obviously going to a therapist once or a couple of times a month to unpack the difficulties you’ve encountered in that time might not be financially viable, depending on your situation and what is covered by your health insurance, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be beneficial. It certainly isn’t a drastic, last-resort solution.
