Elementary Resources

What is Depression?

Depression is a change in our brains that can make us feel sad or down. Depression can make us feel more tired, feel like things are not as fun as they used to be, and make everything feel pointless.

Depression can make our brains think more sad thoughts such as "I am not a good person", "people don't like me", and "I don't want to do anything anymore".

You can help these sad thoughts by talking to an adult you trust.

Coping Skills For Depression

  • Write down 5 positive things about yourself

  • Figure out how you are feeling! Use the How Are You Feeling page to name your emotion and talk about it with an adult.

  • Notice some good things- Look at the Practice Positive Self Talk page and try to answer some of the questions. Can you think of other positive things you can say to yourself?

  • Do something creative- Draw a picture or color in a coloring book

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is when our brain thinks something bad is going to happen and our thoughts and body get ready to protect us. This can make you feel worried, scared, and unsafe.

When we worry we often think about things that could happen, that we don't like. Sometimes this can make your stomach hurt or give you a headache.

You can help these thoughts by talking to an adult you trust!

Coping Skills For Anxiety

  • STOP, and notice what is around you

    • Say 5 things you can see

    • Touch 4 things close to you

    • Listen for 3 different noises

    • Sniff to find 2 different smells

    • Think about one thing you can taste or something you want to taste

  • Take slow deep breaths, and use this video to help!

  • Think about your thoughts

    • Is what you are thinking true?

    • Do I have evidence to know it is true?

    • Is there another way to think about what is making me anxious?

  • Think about your favorite place and take a mini-vacation

    • What do you see at your favorite place?

    • Who is with you?

    • What season is it? (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)

    • What are you doing?