By Katy M. Clark

My daughter was 9 years old when she had her first panic attack. She was trembling, out of breath and her heart pounded for 10 minutes. Because her symptoms occurred before a class play, I dismissed it as stage fright.

When she suffered the same symptoms a short time later, this time before a party at her school, I realized something was wrong. She told me she could not stop worrying that something bad would happen to me as I drove her to school.

Having some anxiety is a normal part of life for most kids. After all, what child doesn't feel anxious before taking a test or making a presentation in front of the class? 

Some children, however, feel worry or fear constantly. According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety disorders involve "intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations." 

The latest U.S. data from the CDC reports 10 percent of children ages 3-17 have current, diagnosed anxiety. My daughter was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) by her pediatrician. Now she sees a therapist and takes medication. 

According to WebMD, the most common anxiety disorders in kids include the following:

• GAD is constant worrying about many different things out of proportion to the actual circumstance.

• Panic disorders are sudden, intense fear making a child feel physically overwhelmed and out of control, even when there is no danger.

• Separation anxiety is the fear that something bad will happen to a parent or loved one when the child is separated from them. Some separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase for babies and toddlers, but not necessarily for older children.

• Social anxiety is extreme anxiety and fear of being embarrassed in social situations, like talking with classmates or answering a question in class. It is more than simple shyness.

The most typical symptoms of anxiety disorders in children, per the CDC and WebMD, include: Showing anxiety or expressing worry or fear on most days, for weeks at a time. Trouble sleeping which may manifest in your child seeming sleepy or tired during the day. Difficulty concentrating or thinking about a problem over and over again. Unusually irritable and angry. Headaches. Stomachaches. Avoiding school or friends because worries are overwhelming. Trouble calming down after leaving a parent or loved one, or extreme homesickness.

The CDC recommends talking to your healthcare provider as a first step to ensure that your child's symptoms are caused by anxiety and not another condition, such as trauma.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication are the most accepted treatments to help children overcome an anxiety disorder according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

CBT teaches your child skills and tools to help them feel less anxious. My daughter learned to utilize tools like a "worry box." She'd write down her worry on a piece of paper, dropping it in a box. It was a tangible way to release her fear.

Prescription medication may also help. Parents should work closely with a health care provider to manage the use of medication and monitor your child's response.

Many kids with anxiety believe their parents won't understand and thus try to hide their fears. Parents should let children know they are available to listen whenever their children are ready to talk. 

Joining an anxiety disorder support group allows children (and parents) to connect with peers (and other moms and dads) that understand anxiety.

Anxiety is a treatable, manageable condition. As parents, we can help kids with anxiety disorders receive the tools, support, and love they need to live their healthiest lives possible. 

Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who embraces her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.