Helping Kids with Sad Feelings or Depression

How should you talk to a kid who’s sad? Discover what you can do to help and the signs to show you when it’s time to get help.

• Sadness may look different in children depending on their age
• You can help kids cope with sadness using our 3 steps
• Learn how to talk about sadness with a child

Depression can look different in children than it does in adults. What are the warning signs? And what should you do if it seems like a kid is depressed?

• Depression may show up as irritability, distractedness, withdrawal or hopelessness in children
• Physical signs of depression in children could look like headaches, stomach aches or fatigue
• Caregivers can take action if a child shows signs of depression

Learn to help mood and prevent downward spirals and risk for depression in kids who are feeling sad. Find out how to use this mental health tool.

• Behavior activation is a tool that’s helpful for all children. It works both as a wellness and prevention tool and for those struggling with difficult emotions
• Getting active can help improve mood, but it can be hard to want to be active when you’re feeling sad
• You can help kids find activities that they’re willing to do and then check in with them to see how they feel afterward

Negative thoughts happen often and sometimes they can be harmful to kids' mental health. Help them investigate and reverse negative thought patterns.

• The way children think about their world impacts how they feel
• We can teach them to challenge their negative thoughts as a coping tool
• Thought challenging is helpful for all children - both as a wellness and prevention tool and for those struggling with constant difficult emotions