Can Psychiatry Help with Chronic Stress? Here’s What the Science Says
Exploring how psychiatric care can support long-term stress relief and mental resilience
In a place as laid-back and beautiful as Asheville, it might seem like stress should just melt away. But the reality is, chronic stress can affect anyone—no matter how serene the surroundings. Whether it’s financial pressure, work burnout, caregiving responsibilities, or just the weight of the world lately, stress that doesn’t let up can start to take a serious toll.
So, can psychiatry help with chronic stress?
Short answer: Yes. And the science backs it up.
At Lynn A. Dana, PLLC, we help individuals manage not just mental illness—but also the kind of persistent, life-draining stress that can quietly impact your mood, sleep, focus, and physical health.
Let’s dive into how psychiatry can help, and what the research really says.
🧠 Understanding Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is more than just a bad day—it’s the ongoing activation of your body’s fight-or-flight system, often without a clear endpoint. Over time, this can lead to:
Anxiety and irritability
Depression or apathy
Insomnia or fatigue
Trouble concentrating
Headaches, muscle tension, GI issues
Weakened immune response
When your nervous system is constantly on alert, it affects every part of your well-being—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
🧪 What the Science Says About Psychiatric Treatment for Stress
Psychiatry doesn’t just treat disorders—it can help rebalance your nervous system and reduce harmful effects of long-term stress.
✅ Medication Can Help Regulate the Stress Response
Certain medications, including SSRIs (like sertraline or fluoxetine) and SNRIs, have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve stress tolerance by modulating brain chemistry—particularly serotonin and norepinephrine, which play key roles in stress regulation.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry (2019) found that even in individuals without a full-blown anxiety disorder, targeted psychiatric medications reduced symptoms of chronic stress and improved quality of life.
✅ Psychiatric Care Includes Behavioral Tools
At Lynn A. Dana, PLLC, we don’t just prescribe and walk away. We look at your whole situation—lifestyle, sleep, coping strategies—and offer psychoeducation, brief therapy techniques, and referrals to local therapists when appropriate.
This integrated approach helps you build mental resilience, not just treat symptoms.
✅ Stress Left Untreated Can Turn Into More Serious Conditions
Chronic stress can eventually evolve into generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or even trigger conditions like PTSD in the right circumstances. Seeking psychiatric support early can prevent more severe outcomes down the road.
🌿 Psychiatry + Asheville’s Wellness Culture = A Balanced Approach
At our practice in Asheville, we blend clinical insight with a respect for the whole person. Many of our patients also engage in:
Therapy
Mindfulness & meditation
Nature-based practices like hiking or grounding
Nutrition and lifestyle adjustments
We’re here to complement these practices—not replace them. Psychiatry can help build a stable foundation so that other tools can work more effectively.
Is Chronic Stress Running the Show? Let’s Talk.
You don’t have to “tough it out.” If stress has become your new normal, psychiatric support might be exactly what you need to reset, refocus, and reclaim your peace of mind.
