Why am I sad?

Everyone gets sad sometimes, even teachers and other grown ups. Sometimes only you know what’s bothering you, like being teased or bullied, hearing your parents rowing, or knowing a sister or brother is hurting themselves.

All the reasons for being sad make sense to you – but they won’t feel so bad, or so big, if you can be brave enough to speak to someone about them. In fact they will be glad that you did!

Feeling sad can sometimes means you -

• Cry a lot
• Have an upset tummy or a headache for no good reason
• Shout or lose your temper at someone or something
• Want to be left alone all the time
• Not want to go to school
• Not having fun with your usual games or toys
• Feel tired all the time
• Not eat enough or eat too much
• Want to hurt yourself
• Feel like running away
• Have a tight, funny feeling in your chest or tummy

If you feel sad, it’s always a good idea to think about what’s been on your mind a lot. Even better if you can talk over what’s bothering you with someone in the family who is a good listener or someone at school you particularly like.