Episode 3: Jane the Brain and the Upset Reset

Transcript

NARRATOR: Hello, kids! Today we will 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 a friend. Sometimes you might feel sad and not know why. Jane is sad because her friend Halima 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 OK to feel sad. Do something you enjoy, like riding a bike or making art. Get support from a friend or grown-up 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. Halima 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 in learning more, ask a grown-up and go to nimh.nih.gov/stem. Find more information and download your very own coloring books.