My husband and I are seriously looking into the idea of counseling for him just so he can have someone to talk to about his sensitivities. We're starting to get very worried, esp. about his self-loathing when he gets in minor trouble.
Last week, he got in trouble for a minor issue. ... he talked in the car about being so mad that he wanted to hurt himself. He kept talking that way at home, and later I found a journal entry asking God to please kill him now because he's such a bad kid. (He's actually VERY sweet and much better behaved than most his age.)
Grateful, this sounds so distressing. I was struck by your post and wanted to encourage you to seek some help, only because your DS's brain is still young so this would be a good time for early intervention. The tracks are being laid and could be rerouted to more positive thinking. Self harm and ideation of self harm should always be investigated. I'm not sure what the intervention would be (maybe cognitive behavioral therapy, and/or mindfulness training?), but the outcome could be that your DS thinks less in black and white, as in "if I did something wrong, then I am a bad person." For some, it's hard to accept the thinking, "I can do something wrong - even intentionally - and still be loveable, good, etc."
Kids can definitely come into the world preloaded with a nasty inner critic.
All the best to you.
