Didn't see this one coming - what should I say?

[LauraNorder]

DD (7) tonight told me that sometimes she feels like killing herself

I am horrified and at a loss as to how to handle it. She is quite an emotional child, prone to a bit of drama every now and again but no more than most 7 year old girls - I think.

Help!

:( That's very sad.

Has she been upset about anything, going back to school?

Can she explain the feelings? e.g. sad, worried, stressed etc. Just so you could possibly narrow down the involved emotions.

Does she like to write? Could she keep some sort of journal where she could put her 'unhappy thoughts' which she could then share with you.

I'm sorry I don't know if any of this is helpful but didn't want to read and not answer

Thank you Giraffe, some good ideas, I like the journal one. She loves books, writing etc so could be a good way to start exploring her feelings a little deeper.

She seems fine today. Just not sure where it came from

She was probably just saying it to be dramatic

If she struggles to get started on the writing you could give her some sentence beginnings to help her, e.g.

Today I felt happy when......

Today I found it hard to......

I would like some help to.....

It helped my DD1 when she was feeling very stressed.

She has been fine since her outburst. I have asked her how she has been feeling every day, quite casually, not making a huge issue of it. She's had a good week.

I there may be an element of truth in what you suggest cumbria although I don't want to sweep it aside in case there is something more to it.