Feeling Sad or Hopeless?
What Does Sadness Look Like?
When we think about sadness, we often picture feeling “down” or “blue,” and we usually think of crying. However, sadness can show up in other ways that we may not notice.
What should I look out for?
- Feeling sad or more irritable than what is normal for you
- Not wanting to be around other people, like friends or family
- Having a hard time concentrating on things like schoolwork
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Feeling hopeless, like nothing is going to make you feel better
How to Cope: Being intentional about doing things that you enjoy and make you feel better is important. That can be physical activity, journaling, or taking a deep breath. Here are some things you can do to cope when you are feeling down.
Move your body
Write down 5 things that went right at the end of each day
Fuel your body with foods that give you energy
Breathe in for 3 seconds,
pause, breathe out for 5 seconds
When To Ask for Help
Everyone experiences some of these feelings at times. Being sad or feeling hopeless is a part of every youth’s life. However, sometimes our feelings of sadness can be more serious, and it might seem like this feeling is never going to pass. If you have more questions or concerns about what you are feeling or experiencing, here are a few places where you can reach out for help.
Get More Information and Support:
Apps to Learn More
Featuring 1:1 coaching, interactive self-care tools, a supportive peer community, and expert help finding local resources — all in one place.
Access free mental health services, support, and resources online for residents of LA County on Any Device: Interactive Lessons, Peer Support Chats, and Community Groups All in One Place