Our moods can change over a week or even during a single day. Sometimes we feel happy, cheerful, or playful. Other times, we might feel sad. Kids and teens experience these mood changes too. Feeling sad is normal, but it can become a problem if it lasts a long time or keeps happening.
What is typical?
It’s normal for kids and teens to feel down when bad things happen—we all do. Usually, they feel better when things get better. But if kids stay sad even when good things happen, that’s a sign of concern.
When should I be concerned?
Teens may seem moodier than younger kids, so it can be hard to spot constant sadness. Caregivers might notice their child stops doing things they used to enjoy. Or they may do activities but not have fun. Spending too much time on a smartphone or computer might mean they’re trying to distract themselves from sadness.
Signs of persistent sadness:
- Being easily annoyed
- Feeling hopeless most of the time
- Lacking energy or seeming lazy most days
- Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
- Having trouble concentrating, even on simple tasks
- Having trouble making decisions
- Struggling with schoolwork
- Saying negative things about themselves
- Having negative thoughts about the world, other people, or the future
- Changing eating patterns, either eating too little or too much
- Gaining or losing weight quickly
- Withdrawing socially
- Being tired most of the time
- Having trouble sleeping
Other signs may include feeling very sad, feeling like nothing matters, feeling lonely, avoiding people, feeling worthless, feeling guilty, thinking about death, or having thoughts about self-harm. Physical signs can include a fast heartbeat, shaking, sweating, or stomach pain.
What can I do to help?
As a caregiver, you can try these things to help your child with persistent sadness:
- Be there for your child. Spend time with your child and listen to what they are going through. If they can share why they feel sad, acknowledge it and encourage open discussion without judgment.
- Suggest new activities. Encourage your child to try new social activities or school clubs. When kids feel sad, they may want to be alone, but being around others and doing fun things can help.
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep can improve mood.
- Understand that sadness is not a choice. Sometimes kids feel sad even if everything seems fine. Remember, they do not choose to be sad.
- Avoid pushing too hard. If your efforts do not seem to help, do not force them to join activities or criticise them. It will not make them feel better.
What kind of professional support can I seek out?
It is normal for caregivers to feel worried if their child has a lot of persistent sadness. If you are worried about your child’s persistent sadness, there is help available.
There are several types of professionals you can talk to if you have concerns, including a school counsellor and your child’s paediatrician or family doctor. They can refer you to other specialists, like mental health professionals. Mental health professionals work with children directly and can also work with caregivers so they can support their children better.
Public services are also available at your local clinic.
When looking for affordable services, it may also be helpful to explore local non-governmental organisations which offer services to families.
Local universities may offer services to the public as part of professional training programmes.
Please don’t give up if you don’t have success in your first attempts at getting help. Go back to the services listed above and look at our online list for additional resources or support. Your child is worth the effort.
Where to find more information
For detailed information on mental health conditions, visit our guides for health professionals.