Here's What Happened To My Anxiety After Two Weeks Of Online Therapy

And aren't these stressful times? Nearly two-thirds of American adults say their lives have been forever changed post-pandemic. Stress about money is at its highest since 2015, and 73 percent of Americans say they're overwhelmed by the smorgasbord of global crises. On top of our collective dilemmas, we each have our own personal stressors, too—and don't I know it. Between moving homes, picking up a side gig again, and the normal bouts of relationship stress—I've recently felt the kind of overwhelm that might be too much for one person to handle (but you know I'll try). My emotional overwhelm has been a red alert: time to seek out some affordable online therapy.

What intrigued me even more was that, once paired with my therapist, I'd have the choice to communicate via phone, video, or live chat. As a person who likes to do most things à la sweats and a messy bun, the convenience was undeniable. But I also had my concerns. Online therapy is up to 50 percent more affordable than in-person therapy, but was it as effective? The only way to find out was to try it for myself.

I matched with my therapist and had my first appointment scheduled in under 48 hours. In transparency, I was nervous. Because I need to see someone to really feel connected, I opted for a video call. But I was worried: Would it feel awkward? Would I feel comfortable sharing intimate details about my life with a stranger on a screen? 

As they say, you'll only get out of something what you put into it. So, in reverence to the perfectionism that was sure to surface in my session, I set up my space for an optimal experience. I closed the door for privacy, made myself a calming hot bevvie, lit a candle, and stashed my journal close by. As I joined the video call, my nerves were popping off… But my therapist quickly dismantled them. "Instead of spending all this time covering the basic information," she started, "I like to get started by simply asking what's on your mind. Let's just dive into the good stuff and work from there." My kind of therapist, I thought. And to my surprise, the conversation flowed—just like any other therapy session, but from the comfort of my own home. 

After that first session, I was in near disbelief at just how easy it was to grab a helping hand. Honestly, I lovingly laughed at myself. Months of enduring relationship and career stress when a little support was a few clicks away. Surrounding the first couple sessions with my therapist, it was a true relief to know I could message my therapist whenever I needed with follow-up questions, second thoughts, reflections… I’ve always been a fan of therapy, but between its affordability and accessibility, BetterHelp takes things to the next level. I have a therapist, but she feels more like an ally. 

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