Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions, affecting some 40 million Americans, including many children. The frenetic pace of modern life is putting money, health, family, work or school burdens on many individuals, who may develop symptoms that are often persistent and interfere with everyday life.

In order to help individuals cope, some health providers resort to prescribing pharmaceutical medications, some of which may have serious side effects. However, there is also a range of natural supplements that may offer relief without causing damage elsewhere. They include Kava, St. John’s Wort, verbena and passionflower. Some people also use aromatherapy – especially extracts of bergamot and jasmine – to successfully battle stress and help achieve relaxation.

Increasingly, Americans may turn to the internet for resources that can help launch them on the path to greater well-being.

For example, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) has created a series of seven free online educational videos on how to manage and overcome stress and anxiety.

Narrated by Douglas Mennin, associate professor of psychology at Yale University, they offer information, tips on how to to reduce stress and how to distinguish normal everyday anxiety from a disorder that may require treatment.