1) Anxiety

Young children can have anxiety and it can be visible through their behaviors. Below are common signs of anxiety:

• Has significant difficulty sleeping, frequent night waking, bad dreams, and/or night terrors
• Expresses frequent fears and worries around various activities (e.g., going outside, going to child care) or specific things (e.g., spiders, elevators, dogs).
• Displays a short fuse with strong emotions—doesn’t have space between an upset and a full-blown tantrum
• Is clingy and fussy beyond what seems typical for their age

2) Depression

Young children can and do experience depression. Below are common signs of depression in children:

• Lack of enjoyment in common activities
• Sad and unresponsive facial expressions
• Listless body posture
• Slower physical mannerisms
• Irritable and fussy
• Trouble eating and sleeping
• Unexplained physical aches and pains 

3) Look for Signs and Ask for Help

If you observe any of the signs of anxiety or depression in your child's behavior, speak with a healthcare professional to discuss advice and potential treatment choices. Consider seeking assistance from a mental health expert who specializes in working with young children.