Strong feelings · Ages 8–12
When feelings become very strong
Perhaps you become so angry, frightened or sad that you cannot think about anything else. Your heart may beat quickly, your tummy may tighten, or you may want to cry, shout or walk away. That is when a feeling becomes very strong. It may happen after one difficult event or after many small things at once. Sometimes you do not know why. A safe person can stay with you and help you settle a little before you try to understand what happened.
Perhaps you become so angry, frightened or sad that you cannot think about anything else. Your heart may beat quickly, your tummy may tighten, or you may want to cry, shout or walk away. That is when a feeling becomes very strong. It may happen after one difficult event or after many small things at once. Sometimes you do not know why. A safe person can stay with you and help you settle a little before you try to understand what happened.
01
What can happen in your body?
Your heart may beat quickly, your tummy may tighten, your body may feel hot, shaky or tense, and you may want to cry, shout, walk away or become completely quiet.
02
What may help right then?
Try moving to a safe place with an adult. You may need less noise, a little space, something to drink or someone sitting calmly nearby. You can say, 'I need a break,' or 'Could you stay here for a little while?' It is okay to feel angry or frightened. At the same time, adults should help make sure nobody gets hurt. When a feeling is very strong, it can be hard to explain things or listen to lots of advice. You can leave the longer questions until your body feels calmer.
03
After you have calmed down a little
Afterwards, think with an adult: What happened first? What did you feel? What might have helped a little earlier? The goal is to understand what happened and make a plan, rather than blame you for having the feeling. Perhaps you can agree on a signal to ask for a break next time. If something at school or home makes you feel unsafe, adults must also help with that situation. It is not only your job to calm down when something around you is difficult.
04
You can get help
If your feelings often become very strong or make everyday life difficult, an adult, school nurse or doctor can help you understand them.
Want to talk about it?
You can ask someone you trust about anything you have noticed or are worried about. A school nurse or doctor can also help if symptoms affect everyday life.
Help me explainSources and further information
Personal health concerns require assessment by a healthcare professional. Some source documents are in Norwegian.