Have you noticed how articles about stress abound these days? It seems to be one of the few conditions that most people, whether male or female and from whatever walk of life, will admit to. This, I feel, is a positive situation, in that we are no longer hiding behind the traditional British stiff upper lipid. Men can push prams and express their grief; women can explain that they'd rather not have their mother-in-law to stay, thank you very much. On the other hand, it is distressing that so many people identify themselves as suffering from a condition that most would presumably choose to avoid if at all possible!

There are an almost overwhelming number of factors that contribute to the build-up of modern day stress. There are increasing demands made on the individual: it is not enough to have a good job, you must have a perfect family too. Women must look as if they just shimmied out of a glossy mag even though they actually just fell out of bed after a night with a teething baby and a conference report deadline; men must not only bring home the bacon but cook it, whilst bathing fractious toddlers and writing poetry. Woe betide you if you intend to have a lie-in at the weekend: you should be at the DIY store with your interior designer's cap firmly fitted to your aching skull.

Jobs are harder to get and harder to keep than previously. Financial expectations are higher and it is ridiculously easy to get into debt. Children want more and parents feel inadequate if they cannot provide the bauble of the moment.

We change jobs, homes and partners more frequently than previous generations, and whilst change is often rewarding, it is also demanding of precious emotional and physical resources.

Of course, we can now talk about such things, which is an enormous bonus. Many of my patients in their 50s and 60s point out that their problems were 'just not spoken of' when they were younger. Acknowledging a situation and being able to discuss it with others goes a great way towards coping with it. Stress, after all, is not necessarily a bad thing. Challenges can present us with opportunities to develop and move on. The idea is not to rid our lives of any stimulus, but to improve our ways of dealing with it, learning to support our coping mechanisms, both physical and emotional.

The central nervous system takes a great deal of the flack both physically and emotionally when pressures are building. On a physical level this means headaches and muscle tension, with impaired digestion and fatigue. Emotionally, jumpy, irritable behaviour results, with mood swings and sleep disturbances. Feeding the central nervous system with magnesium and vitamin B, which are both vital and used up extremely quickly in stressful situations, will minimise knotted muscles and irritation.

The adrenal glands deserve special attention also, as they become drained through the constant requirement for adrenalin as we fight our way through the day. A vitamin B complex is again important, as is vitamin C. The less caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and other recreational drugs you take into your system, the easier the job of the adrenals becomes. Without wishing to bore you, did you know that 200mg of caffeine (about two cups of coffee) can cause nervousness and anxiety? Caffeine can also lower the brain's'stress threshold', affect sleep patterns, and interfere with the bodies ability to fight infection.

It is a sad fact that when we are stressed, our immune system is weakened and we are more likely to fall prey to lurking germs. Boost your immune system in times of strain with 20 drops of Echinacea once a day.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus) contains polysaccharides that have been shown to boost the functioning of the immune system. As this herb also increases energy, it can be helpful for short term crises, such as moving house. Alfred Vogel combined it with Avena sativa, a tried and tested nerve tonic.

At the risk of sounding facile, make sure you are breathing! That is, really breathing, not just short, shallow intakes that barely oxygenate your ribcage. Exercising will both improve your lung capacity and increase levels of 'happy chemicals' in your body. Of course, trying to fit exercise into your routine may seem like yet another stress!

Avena sativa, the nerve tonic mentioned above, is one of my favourite remedies for difficult times. It can be taken long-term for low level, persistent stress, working on the muscles and the emotions. Safe to take during the day and with other medication, it will gently increase your ability to cope.

For shorter term, immediate relief from panic and frayed nerves, Valerian tincture. It works in a similar fashion on the body, relaxing muscles, relieving muscle spasm and calming the digestion. It can be taken during the day without causing drowsiness but, if taken at night, may help to promote better sleep. Valerian has a very distinctive taste and can be taken with alcohol. Not that alcohol is a useful adjunct to treatments for stress - see above!

These remedies should not really be taken for longer than a few weeks without a break; Avena sativa is more appropriate if you need ongoing support. There is, of course, the immediate action of Emergency Essence or Rescue Remedy. This will give respite from the worst excesses of nervous tension or blind panic within minutes. It is easy to carry around with you and can be taken as many times as you like or need!

Women who find that their nerves are more easily shattered before their period could try a few months on Agnus castus. This will raise progesterone levels, bringing the urge to throttle those around you under control.

In more extreme circumstances, Hypericum combined with lemon balm and hops will brighten the mood, lessening feelings of depression whilst combating stress. Hypericum cannot be combined with several prescription drugs so always ask for advice. It is, however, a wonderfully soothing and lifting remedy for those that can take it. Tinctures get into the system quickly, however stressed you may be, so they work faster than tablets. As the action is swift and effective, it is unnecessary to take the Hypericum, for example, for longer than a few months at a time. It works… you feel better…you don’t need it anymore!