What should mothers do if their 7 year old son says he wants to die?

Answer 1

Get him help quick. He could be suffering from depression.

Answer 2

I would probably start by telling him why he doesn't want to die. Then I would probably go in my room and cry and pray. Try taking him out- just the two of you and do something fun. While you are doing that, talk to him about his feelings. Make sure that he knows that his feelings are validated and not silly. Let him do the talking and you only guide the conversation. I think you should also get him some outside help from a professional. After you have a talk with him, return to normal and don't drag on about it. Give him hugs and tell him that you love him. Most importantly just treat him normal (after you talk to him), but get him help and let him know that you are there for him.

Answer 3

Ask him why. Try and figure out if he is saying it because he is frustrated and used it because someone else used it and it sounded good. Ask him what he thinks happens when you die? Try and get an understanding of what he was feeling when he said it. Was he angry, sad, frustrated because he could not master a task (tying shoes, homework), frustrated because he couldn't do something or because he misses someone and cannot articulate as an adult would (absent parent, recent loss in the family, friend who moved away). Was he distressed because someone else is the family is hurting and he cannot help and does not know what to do (parents fighting, etc)? Was this his way of just saying he wants to spend more time with you - has he learned that people react when you make that statement and he might want the attention of the reaction without understanding exactly what he is saying.

At 7, no matter what or even if, he has gone through as far as experiencing the death of a friend or family member, he still has magical thinking. His perception of death, dying and/or afterlife are sure to be different than what yours is. Talk to him.

Answer 4

YOU MUST TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY! My friend's daughter said the same thing at roughly the same age and they restricted her TV thinking that she had seen it on TV or something. They only barely saved her life. She is bipolar and with medication and appropriate therapy and monitoring, is now a happy and normal 11-year old. She is even doing very well in school. She has been diagnosed with ADHD and several other disorders before they found the right one.
Take your son to a child psychiatrist, not just a psychologist (although a psychologist could help him talk through his feelings and find better coping strategies). If your insurance tries to hang you up, take him to the school counselor, he/she will help you.

My heart goes out to you, best wishes and lots of love

Answer 5

Get him to the Dr. and to a Child Psychologist so they can make sure it is not something Organically wrong with him. Then try to find out what has traumatized him to make the statement, and find out if he really knows what it means to die. (as opposed to the video games when you die, then reset the game and start over) What ever you do, don't ignore it.

Answer 6

This is not a normal thing for a seven year old to say. I also don't think a seven year old has the total concept of death...or even what it means. I certainly know from experience that....you never know what these kids hold in their hearts. It sounds as though he may be dealing with some insecurities and he just doesn't know how to deal with them. It certainly wouldn't hurt to maybe consider some counseling for him.

Answer 7

First, I'd want to know if he says this selectively--for example, if he isn't getting his way, or enough attention, or is just frustrated about something specific. It could certainly be a great ploy, & kids are creative about pushing your buttons. If you feel this is not the motivation, & that he is serious, talk with his doctor, & perhaps counseling could be in order.

Answer 8

I'm very concerned for your child. I don't want to upset you but often such extremely emotional thoughts come from extremely emotional events. You child might be going through some form of child abuse. After you take him to the doctor you should investigate everyone in his/her life from teachers friends, friend's parents, coaches and sadly your own family members. I know this is horrifying for you to hear but 1 out of 3 children in this country are sexually, physically and mentally abused. A The perp. is almost always a family member or trusted friend. If you child (bless his heart) is going through something like that, His thoughts of suicide could be very real. Please let us know that everyone is okay.

Answer 9

I would ask my son why does he want to die? Asking him directly about his feelings may give you some idea as to where he got the idea from. Next, I would wrap my arms around him tight, and share with him the many reasons he has to live for.

Answer 10

Actually I read something on this....
My little girl started this at age 4....
When I took her to the Dr..he said it was Bipolar,put her on meds that made her weird. Took her off,and took her to another Dr,and he told me she is actually very smart,that smart kids say stuff like this to make you feel sorry for them,and usually get their way. At first I thought,no way,I know she is smart but then I thought about it. Everytime she said that,I hugged her,and babied her,sometimes even bought her something to cheer her up. Sure enough,That was it. After I ignored it it stopped....LOl.....
But make sure there is nothing else bothering the child first.....

Answer 11

Hug him, comfort him about himself, his relation to the mother and the father, and make him feel secure about his daily worries... this boy is sensitive, and needs sports and open air life close to nature and to pets.