Episode 3: Jane the Brain and the Upset Reset

hello kids today we'll join our friend Jane the brain as she learns how to cope with sadness Jane is usually full of joy and laughter but today Jane is sad sadness is a feeling that affects lots of different areas of the brain it causes less activity in our prefrontal cortex the thinking and decision-making part of the brain and can change how we work through our emotions there are lots of reasons you might feel sad you might have a problem at home at school or with friend sometimes you might feel sad and not know why Jane is sad because her friend TMA the heart is moving away but don't worry everyone feels sad sometimes and there are things you can do to feel better it's time for an upset reset name your feelings and tell yourself it's okay to feel sad do something you enjoy like riding a bike or making art get support from a friend or grownup in your life you can also practice mindfulness pay attention to your breathing the warmth of the sun on your skin or listen carefully to The Sounds in nature paying attention to positive feelings and appreciating the good things can help you feel less sad and sometimes we can look for the good in a sad situation Helma the heart's move will be an exciting new experience and maybe Jane will get to go on an adventure with her sadness is a response to something and is usually temporary like a cloud passing in the sky but if sadness won't go away or you feel so sad that you think about hurting yourself tell a trusted adult like a parent family member doctor teacher or coach remember it's normal to feel sad sometimes but like Jane you can use coping skills to help yourself feel better and get back to Smiling if you're interested Ed in learning more ask a grownup and go to nimh. nih. gov stem there you'll find more information and can download your very own coloring books