fear in child

[mzlissa76]

My son is 9 .He  is also very fearful of dying.He says he worries about it all the time.I have tried to calm him through it and try not to draw attention to it .I suffer from panic and anxiety attacks.I use meds to help control it.I don't want him to live like I do,I geuss I have tried to deny what I see.I just don't understand he is so young.His father gets upset and says he is not gonna have fun in life if he keeps avoiding going places.He would not go on his field trip because he thought what if the bus gets in an accident.I could tell he really wanted to but when it came time to go he cried and wouldn't.i just want him not to worry so much.


This discussion is related to 9-year old's fear of death.

[jdtm]

Anxiety is an inherited trait.  It sounds as if your son suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder - GAD.  I suspect you are correct -denying what you see.  I suspect his father is also correct - claiming his son will not have any fun in life.  It's time to see the family doctor for assistance as he is unable to stop his worries.  Your son will not outgrow his GAD nor will his GAD go away; but, he can learn how to manage his "fears" with proper treatment and coping tools.  By the way, our child psychologist (who is involved in anxiety research) believes that the teen years are the most difficult to treat - it really is time to see your family doctor.  I wish you the best ...

[musicmama]

Have you seen "Mim's Island"?  The lady in the story reminds me of your son.  She has to face her fears in order to help someone else.  Maybe he should visit with some children who are positive and adventurous.  I am always amazed at children who have disabilities or severe illnesses (Cancer for example) and somehow they end up encouraging me.

It's probably a good idea to go to a therapist.  He/she may be able to dig into any situations that may make him feel this way, and give you some suggestions to deal with it.

Good luck and God bless.