Anxiety has always seemed such a “natural” part of life to me that I never thought of it as a “disorder” that needed to be treated.  This makes sense when you realize that anxiety is useful in warning us of impending danger.  If we’re white-water rafting, skiing a difficult slope, or walking home in a dangerous neighborhood, anxiety keeps us alert so that we watch out, stay focused, and perform at our best.  

At times like these, anxiety can be very useful.  The problems start when...