Big feelings like sadness can bring out mixed emotions in a person and are often hard to handle, especially when they come up unexpectedly. Though people can't always control or avoid these situations, there are ways to deal with them effectively. It can include seeking support from others, doing relaxing activities, and considering alternatives to negative thoughts.
The Preparing for Sad or Negative Feelings worksheet helps young people face feelings of sadness or depression by planning ahead using simple methods. On the worksheet, they need to answer questions about triggers, positive things they can tell themselves, and ways to calm down.
Answering the worksheet increases their self-awareness and a sense of control over their emotions. Parents and teachers can check their answers and use those to offer appropriate support. Based on the child’s needs, they can introduce additional calming techniques, or coping skills such as those found in our Depression Coping Skills handouts bundle.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of depression worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Saija, E., Ioverno, S., Baiocco, R., & Pallini, S. (2022). Children experiencing sadness: Coping strategies and attachment relationships. Current Psychology, 42(17), 14474-14483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02771-2
- Stapley, E., Stock, S., Deighton, J., & Demkowicz, O. (2022). A qualitative study of how adolescents’ use of coping strategies and support varies in line with their experiences of adversity. Child & Youth Care Forum, 52(1), 177-203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-022-09682-0
- Verity, L., Yang, K., Nowland, R., Shankar, A., Turnbull, M., & Qualter, P. (2022). Loneliness from the adolescent perspective: A qualitative analysis of conversations about loneliness between adolescents and Childline counselors. Journal of Adolescent Research, 074355842211111. https://doi.org/10.1177/07435584221111121
- Zaid, S. M., Hutagalung, F. D., Bin Abd Hamid, H. S., & Taresh, S. M. (2021). Sadness regulation strategies and measurement: A scoping review. PLOS ONE, 16(8), e0256088. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256088
