Coping with sadness.
Learning to release and cope with feelings of sadness are skills that we learn with patience and practice. Consider some of these coping strategies if you are feeling down. Also, please reach out to your school counseling and wellness team if you would like help or are just looking for someone to talk to.
Seek social connection.
Humans have a strong need for social connection. Sometimes, when we feel sad, we have the urge to isolate ourselves from others and may feel socially disconnected. Although it may feel difficult, it is important to try to connect with someone you can trust and tell them how you are feeling. Avoiding social connections and isolating yourself can sometimes make feelings of sadness more intense. Try to start small, by reaching out to one person! Talking to a family member, trusted friend, or a mental health professional at school (psychologist, social worker, counselor) might be a good person to start with.
Humans have a strong need for social connection. Sometimes, when we feel sad, we have the urge to isolate ourselves from others and may feel socially disconnected. Although it may feel difficult, it is important to try to connect with someone you can trust and tell them how you are feeling. Avoiding social connections and isolating yourself can sometimes make feelings of sadness more intense. Try to start small, by reaching out to one person! Talking to a family member, trusted friend, or a mental health professional at school (psychologist, social worker, counselor) might be a good person to start with.
Do something that is enjoyable.
Every emotion has an urge action, and by changing our behaviors, we can also change our emotions. The urge action for sadness is typically to withdraw. So, to start to change the emotion of sadness, one coping strategy is to do the opposite action of withdrawing, which is to get active and do things you enjoy. Although the urge may be to stay in bed and wait for the feeling to pass, it can be helpful to engage in an activity that used to bring you joy and got you moving, like taking a walk outside, going for a bike ride, or playing a sport.
Every emotion has an urge action, and by changing our behaviors, we can also change our emotions. The urge action for sadness is typically to withdraw. So, to start to change the emotion of sadness, one coping strategy is to do the opposite action of withdrawing, which is to get active and do things you enjoy. Although the urge may be to stay in bed and wait for the feeling to pass, it can be helpful to engage in an activity that used to bring you joy and got you moving, like taking a walk outside, going for a bike ride, or playing a sport.
Jot in a journal or express your feelings through art.
When it comes to expressing your feelings, sometimes writing or expressing feelings via art can be a good first step. Channeling your emotions into your artwork can feel freeing and satisfying. Experiment with different art mediums like painting, drawing, or sculpture. If you are more of a writer, try writing poetry, music, or even just writing in the stream-of-consciousness style. Do what feels good and be kind to yourself while creating. There is no "wrong way" to express how you are feeling.
When it comes to expressing your feelings, sometimes writing or expressing feelings via art can be a good first step. Channeling your emotions into your artwork can feel freeing and satisfying. Experiment with different art mediums like painting, drawing, or sculpture. If you are more of a writer, try writing poetry, music, or even just writing in the stream-of-consciousness style. Do what feels good and be kind to yourself while creating. There is no "wrong way" to express how you are feeling.
It is important to note that you may find these suggestions do not work for you, and that is totally fine. Everyone copes in different ways. If you are struggling with feelings of excessive sadness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, and low motivation, please complete the contact form below so you can be put in touch with a member of the Counseling and Wellness team. We are trained to help and we are here for you.