ocd devloping in a 7 year old?

[nialum]

Help! My 6.8 year old son is usually care free, very quirky and exceptionally happy. We've been on holiday in Mexico for 2 weeks whilst away our rabbit died. My son was disraught, which was a bit of a surprise.

Since getting home he is obsessed that he is ill, crying to be taken to the hospital. He has taken to spitting, more to remove saliva from his mouth and also washing his hands.

I think this is related to the rabbit dieing and a little jet lag. But nearly 2 weeks on he is still at it adopting random behaviour by the day.

Please could someone reassure me that this is a passing phase!.

Maybe this is the first time he has really realised what death means and so is suddenly scared that he is going to die too? I can remember being really scared that I might have accidentally poisoned myself as a child!! Is there something specific that he is worried he might have done that could make him die (eg eaten germs or whatever) that you could quickly clear up for him?

Have you talked about how humans can live up to 100 years but rabbits only live for a few years?

Does he need more time to talk about his sadness at his rabbit dying?

Just some random thoughts - not sure how much use they are!