4 year old saying he wants to die

[sunshinelollipopsrainbows]

My son has recently said a number of things about wanting to die. He has said he wishes he was never born, that he wants to get hit by a car and yesterday he had a balloon handle around his neck. His sister said "don't tie that around your neck you'll die!" and he said "good, I want to die." I took it off him and nothing more was said.

Ive recently been in hospital in Feb after trying to end my life twice. The children were not around when I did this and were safe. They were told I was poorly in hospital but not why, they just thought I had a bug.

Anyone have any ideas on this behaviour? Im so concerned about him.

He's a bright, articulate boy and had a great parents evening recently with no concerns about him or his behaviour except a few times he's bitten himself in anger at his own behaviour.
His dad & I separated in June last year but he sees him 5 days a week and things are friendly.

This is heartbreaking
In more recent times, there are studies that say children could actually have depression. And if you have depression then it may have been passed down to him. It is known to run in families.
Either that or he has heard it from school kids, or older kids cartoons, you'd be surprised what they pick up. is he a happy boy in general or is he quite isolated and withdrawn?

Ive recently been in hospital in Feb after trying to end my life twice.

Are you and your family getting the help and support you need relating to your recent suicide attempt? Sometimes children go through phases of saying stuff like this, but given your recent history I would be looking to make sure he hasn't been affected more than you realise. Hope you're in a better place

He's a happy boy in general. He hits or bites himself when he's mad with himself but only really does that at home and just once or twice at nursery since September. I think he does that because he's disappointed with himself, he wants to be good.

The wishing he was never born thing started when his sister said she wishes her brothers were never born in the car. I said that wasn't a nice thing to say but it seems to have got into his head.

He's been a bit better this week. I don't think he fully understands what he's saying really as I don't think he is old enough to properly grasp death. He's a smart kid though so I probably shouldn't underestimate him.