The simple answer to what makes is sad is that life often does. We will always encounter situations that make us occasionally feel down. That is part of living.  

Feeling sad is a normal feeling, a common reaction to an upsetting event or setback.  

Some examples of situations that can make us feel sad include the following:  

• Experiencing difficulties at school or at work 

• Losing a loved one, a friend or family member 

• Moving house 

• Pressure at home, such as family fights 

• Being ill, or caring for someone who is ill 

• Going through changes in your body from puberty 

• experiencing changes in your thoughts (for example, developing an unhelpful thinking style such as being self-critical, or learning new information about subjects such as poverty or terrorism) 

The simple answer to what makes is sad is that life often does. We will always encounter situations that make us occasionally feel down. That is part of living.  

Feeling sad is a normal feeling, a common reaction to an upsetting event or setback.  

Some examples of situations that can make us feel sad include the following:  

• Experiencing difficulties at school or at work 

• Losing a loved one, a friend or family member 

• Moving house 

• Pressure at home, such as family fights 

• Being ill, or caring for someone who is ill 

• Going through changes in your body from puberty 

• experiencing changes in your thoughts (for example, developing an unhelpful thinking style such as being self-critical, or learning new information about subjects such as poverty or terrorism) 

When you’re in a sad mood, it can seem as if you’ll never feel happy again. But it’s important to remember that in general, sad feelings don’t usually last that long.  

Everyone feels sad sometimes, it’s part of what makes us regular human beings. The good news is that you have the power within you to deal with how you feel about sad things when they happen.  

It can help with your mindset to get good quality sleep and exercise. Ensure that you have some time in your day to relax. If your thoughts are starting to feel overwhelming, it can help to let them out. You may find that it helps to draw or write or find another creative way of expressing how you feel.  

Different methods work for different people. It can help to tell someone how you feel. At Childline, we’re always here to listen. You might find that talking about what’s on your mind helps you to understand these feelings and possibly more optimistic about the future. Experiment to find out what suits you. There’s no right or wrong way to help yourself feel better.  

Whatever your worry, big or small, we’re here for you. You might have a problem at home or at school or with a friend that is making you feel low. You may not even understand why you feel so sad.  

• It can help to put a name on how you’re feeling and that in turn can help you to understand why you’re feeling that way.  

• Try not to beat yourself up. It may seem like a small thing to be upset about, but if it matters to you, that’s all that counts. And if it matters to you, it matters to us.  

• Be good to yourself. This feeling will eventually pass and you will feel better.  

• Take some deep breaths, focus on a calm, slow inhale, followed by a calm, slow exhale, repeat three or four times and feel yourself start to relax a little.  

• There’s always someone to listen, and it can help to share your troubles. It doesn’t have to be all downbeat though, you can talk about good things too. That can help you to feel more optimistic and more interested in doing those things that do improve your mood. Allow yourself to have fun.