Sadness

What Is It?

Sadness is a normal feeling we all have. It is emotional pain. It is a natural reaction to difficult situations.

It can be from many things. It could be from losing something/someone, hurt feelings, or being left out. Sadness can also be from something going wrong. It could also be when something gets ruined or broken.

What Does It Feel Like?

Sadness can feel like:

  • Crying
  • Hurt feelings
  • Your body is heavy
  • There is a lump in your throat
  • You are tired
  • You are upset
  • Unhappiness
  • Low mood
  • Disappointment

What Can You Do to Feel Better?

It is important to remind a child/youth (and yourself) that it is okay to be sad; it is learning to feel and express the emotion in a healthy way. Along with comforting the child/youth, there are things you can help them do to calm down and feel better

Things to help cope with sadness:

  • Take some slow deep breaths
  • Read a book
  • Watch a funny video
  • Cry
  • Draw/write it out
  • Get active
  • Name your feeling and talk to someone about it
  • Think of things which make you happy
  • Take a break from technology
  • Be nice to oneself and others
  • Talk to someone
  • Cuddle a pet
  • Go for a walk
  • Listen to music
  • Do something kind for someone else

Further Resources

If you would like to speak to someone about mental health issues, the Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7, offering information and referrals on any aspect of mental health.

Call toll-free: 1-877-303-2642

Trending Topics

Self-Harm

Self-Harm Self-harm is any intentional injury to one’s own body. The intention is to alter mood. It is not self-harm if the person is doing

Read More

Body Awareness Grounding

Body Awareness Grounding Grounding helps to bring us to the present moment. Darth Vader breathing. Take a deep, slow breath through your nose. Breathe out

Read More

Sex Trafficking

Sex Trafficking What Is It? Sex trafficking is when someone uses force, coercion, or fraud to force someone into prostitution, pornography, or sexual performance for

Read More

Sadness

Sadness What Is It? Sadness is a normal feeling we all have. It is emotional pain. It is a natural reaction to difficult situations. It

Read More

Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders What are they? There are many different types of eating disorders. The list below is not conclusive. Anorexia Nervosa When people are coping

Read More