Examples of Prolonged Sadness Symptoms in 8th Graders

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 😢 Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
• 📉 Loss of Interest: Noticeably reduced interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable.
• 😩 Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
• 😴 Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia (trouble sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day.
• 😫 Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Feeling tired or having a lack of energy nearly every day.
• 😔 Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
• Concentration Problems: Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
• 💭 Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, seek help immediately!

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a common symptom of prolonged sadness in 8th graders?
   1. A. Increased energy levels
   2. B. Loss of interest in hobbies
   3. C. Sudden bursts of happiness
   4. D. Improved concentration
2. A student who is constantly tired and lacks energy for weeks might be experiencing:
   1. A. A growth spurt
   2. B. Normal teenage laziness
   3. C. Fatigue related to prolonged sadness
   4. D. An active social life
3. Which sleep pattern change could indicate prolonged sadness?
   1. A. Sleeping only during nighttime hours
   2. B. Waking up early feeling refreshed
   3. C. Sleeping too much or too little
   4. D. Regular napping after school
4. What emotional symptom is often associated with prolonged sadness?
   1. A. Exaggerated self-confidence
   2. B. Feelings of worthlessness
   3. C. Increased empathy for others
   4. D. Unrealistic optimism
5. A significant change in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain, could be a sign of:
   1. A. Starting a new diet
   2. B. Prolonged sadness
   3. C. Increased physical activity
   4. D. Normal growth changes
6. Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork for an extended period might indicate:
   1. A. A challenging curriculum
   2. B. Lack of sleep due to video games
   3. C. Symptoms of prolonged sadness
   4. D. Disinterest in a particular subject
7. Which of the following thoughts requires immediate professional help?
   1. A. Occasional daydreaming
   2. B. Mild anxiety about tests
   3. C. Thoughts of death or suicide
   4. D. Frustration with homework