Although anxiety may be associated with modern living, it was also a common condition centuries ago. English settlers in North America--unfamiliar with stress as it is defined today-- knew anxiety by a variety of names, including "nerves," "hysteria," and "the vapors." Its sufferers were "worrywarts" and "nervous Nellies."

It takes many forms, from mild worrying, stage fright, and distress to severe panic attacks. Anxiety can occur at any time, but it is more likely in difficult situations, such as changing jobs. Usually, anxiety is temporary. Severe or chronic cases, sometimes associated with, say, a divorce or working for a difficult boss, can lead to depression and fatigue.

Anxiety can cause a host of symptoms, including a pounding heart, muscle tension, higher blood pressure, sweaty palms, trembling, palpitations, diarrhea, confusion, shortness of breath, nail biting, male erectile dysfunction, and insomnia. Chronic anxiety may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or hyperthyroidism, both of which require a doctor's supervision. Also consult a doctor if you suffer from hyperventilation, post-trauma anxiety, chronic insomnia, or extended depression. Severe attacks or a constant feeling of anxiety are forms of a more serious condition, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), adjustment disorder with anxious mood, panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Home treatments should not be used alone in these more serious cases.