Sadness facts for kids

Sadness is a feeling that everyone experiences. It's when you feel unhappy, down, or upset. You might feel sad when something bad happens, like losing a toy, missing a friend, or feeling disappointed. It's a normal human emotion that helps us understand our feelings.

A young boy looking sad

What is Sadness?

Sadness is an emotional pain that comes with feelings of disadvantage, loss, or disappointment. When you are sad, you might feel a deep sorrow or a sense of helplessness. It's a natural reaction to difficult situations.

People who are feeling sad might become quiet or feel very tired. They might also want to spend time alone and withdraw from others. Crying is a common way that people show they are feeling sad.

Sadness and Other Feelings

A scientist named Paul Ekman studied human emotions. He described sadness as one of the "six basic emotions." These main feelings are:

• happiness
• anger
• surprise
• fear
• disgust
• and sadness

These emotions are often recognized by people all over the world.

How to Deal with Sadness

It's okay to feel sad sometimes. Here are some ways you can try to feel better when you are sad:

• Talk about it: Share your feelings with a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counselor.
• Do something you enjoy: Listen to music, read a book, play a game, or do a hobby you like.
• Get active: Go for a walk, play outside, or do some exercise. Physical activity can help improve your mood.
• Be kind to yourself: Remember that it's okay to feel sad, and these feelings will usually pass.
• Help others: Sometimes, helping someone else can make you feel better too.

If you feel sad for a long time or it stops you from doing things you normally enjoy, it's a good idea to talk to an adult who can help you find more support.

Related pages

• Happiness

Images for kids

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  A detail of the 1672 sculpture Entombment of Christ, showing Mary Magdalene crying

• 

  Sad girls. Photo by Paolo Monti, 1953

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  A man expressing sadness with his head in his hands

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  Lost in thoughts, by Wilhelm Amberg. An individual experiencing sadness may become quiet or lethargic, and withdraw themselves from others.

See also

In Spanish: Tristeza para niños