Where do I start? (Childhood mental health)

[Kara]

I'm looking for some advice.

My 6 yo son has always been more emotionally sensitive than our other kids, and we are starting to wonder if he might have some anxiety or depression. He is extremely self-conscious, has little to no self-esteem, thinks he's a loser, has anxiety about trying new activities, worries that everyone is always laughing at him and wants to be alone most of the time. He is always looking for reassurance that he is loved. He gets irrational more and more often, melting down at the slightest things, and saying that he knows we don't love him. He also has bad dreams most nights in which he says people -- including me -- are killing him.

I don't know where to even start in getting him evaluated. I talked to a pediatrician who said this behavior can be normal, but my gut tells me there is something going on. Anyone?