At Ruby Mental Wellness, we hear this question all the time — and it’s a great one. Life is stressful. Deadlines, family responsibilities, social media overload, and the unpredictability of the world can weigh heavily. But how do you know when it’s more than just stress? When does it cross the line into anxiety or depression that might require treatment — and possibly medication?
Stress is a normal reaction to pressure or change. It usually has a clear cause and gets better when the situation improves.
Clinical depression or anxiety, on the other hand, tends to:
- Last longer than 2 weeks
- Affect your ability to function at school, work, or home
- Disrupt sleep, appetite, energy, and interest in things you normally enjoy
- Cause negative thinking patterns, hopelessness, or irritability
- Be present even when life seems “fine” on the outside
If your stress feels constant, overwhelming, or has become your new baseline, it’s time to look deeper.
- Your symptoms are persistent and interfere with daily life
- You’ve tried coping strategies but still feel stuck
- You feel hopeless, disconnected, or emotionally flat
- There’s a family history of mood disorders
- Your body is showing signs of burnout: headaches, GI issues, immune suppression
Medication doesn’t mean you’re “not strong enough.” It means you’re giving your brain the support it may need — especially if chemical imbalances are at play.
Medication isn’t the only answer. Many people find relief through a combination of lifestyle shifts, therapy, and support. Here are some effective non-medication strategies for managing chronic stress:
- Mindfulness & Meditation – Even 5–10 minutes a day can calm the nervous system.
- Daily movement – Walking, stretching, yoga, or dancing all help regulate stress hormones.
- Sleep hygiene – Consistent sleep and wake times, screens off before bed, calming rituals.
- Boundaries & time management – Say no, delegate, and create space for rest.
- Journaling or expressive writing – Get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
- Connecting with others – Social support is a protective factor against depression.
- Therapy – Working with a trained therapist can build insight, coping skills, and resilience.
We work with you to understand the whole picture — your stressors, history, coping tools, and preferences. Sometimes medication is part of the plan. Sometimes it’s not. And sometimes, it’s a temporary bridge while you build skills and support systems.