Everyone experiences sadness from time to time. It can be because something happened, or something was said to us, or because our thoughts got caught on something that worries us. Emotions can be felt in our bodies and influence the way we think and act. We can have positive or negative emotions, but all of them are useful. Emotions can tell us something about ourselves or tell us what to do next. They are here to take care of us!

Get to Know Sadness

My Other Names:

Hurt, Lonely, Depressed, Disappointed, Heartbroken, Miserable

What I Sound Like:

Sighing, crying, “Why me?” “I am not good enough.” “I can’t believe it.”

What I Look Like:

Frowning, crying, withdrawing, sleeping a lot.

What My Job is:

To tell you what bothers you and to tell others that you need help and comfort. I tell you about what is important and meaningful to you. I can motivate you to do something different to make your life better.

What I Feel Like:

Heavy chest, lump in your throat, pain behind your eyes, tired, low, energy, low appetite, slow, tears on your cheeks.

What Happens When I Take Over:

I can make it hard for you to get out of bed in the morning. I make it hard for you to eat, sleep or concentrate. I make you want to cry sometimes. When I take over, I make it hard for you to enjoy life.

What to Do With Me:

Know that it is okay when I (sadness) am here while things get hard - you don’t have to avoid me
Cry it out if you need to - this is okay, and you might feel better after
Talk to someone you trust (a parent, friend, teacher or counsellor) about me - ask for help
If you do not want to talk or cry, express your sadness by drawing or writing in a journal
Take some deep breaths to help your body calm down
Do something that is relaxing: talking a walk, listening to music or holding a pet or soft toy
Think of things that make you happy
Do something else that makes you happy or helps you feel good

How to Start a Conversation About Sadness:

If you think your child would benefit from talking about their emotions of sadness, you can start with letting them know: “Everyone feels sad from time to time, it’s normal even if it feels yucky sometimes.” You can then follow up with some prompting questions like: “What’s making you sad?” “Do you want some space and privacy while you’re sad, or do you want me to stay with you?” and “What do you need from me right now that would help?” Let your child know you’re here to support them, you aren’t judging them for their emotions, and you want to help.

If you would like support in talking to your child about emotions like sadness, our team at The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre can help. Please contact our intake and administration team to set up a free consultation with one or more of our family or child clinicians.

How to Talk to Kids About Sadness