My Son thinks about people dieing and starts worrying about it

[kamrul_2009]

My Son is 9 years and 9 months old. For a few days he has started telling his mum that he thinks about relatives, friends, teachers etc dieing. Basically he thinks about anyone he knows. He stays quite and thinks to himself about this and then comes and tells his mum that he has thought about that person dieing. He tells his mum that if he tells her then that person wont die. recently his maternal great grandma passed away and he says he thought about her dieing a few days before she died. He thinks that because he thought about her dieing she died. Had he told his mum that he thought about her dieing then she wouldnt have died. Yesterday he said he thought to himself what if I kill someone. Now he thinks that because he thought about that he will kill someone. He is very sad and stays realy quite and we can see that he is thinking about these things. I have tried speaking to him but he starts crying. He says he told his mum and made her promise not to tell anyone. And he doesnt want to talk to me about it. what should we do? Please help.  

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Definitely let the doctor know about this. The condition is very treatable and is not uncommon in children. Your son will be fine.

[kamrul_2009]

Hello Mr Dr Kennedy

Many many thanks for your reply. I am really worried about this. my son is a very bright child and he is very loving and caring towards others. I hope this isnt something serious and we can overcome this. I have spoken to our GP and will be seeing him soon. Should we talk to him about the situation or leave it till the specialist sees him?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

This is a form of anxiety disorder and can be handled readily through therapy. You should arrange an evaluation with a pediatric mental health clinician. Don't try to manage this by yourself - it really invites professional intervention.