SAD: What It Is and How to Help Your Child Cope – As the days grow shorter and the weather gets colder, it’s normal for people to start feeling a little down. For some people, however, the winter blues can be much more than just a case of the Mondays. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. SAD is thought to be caused by a lack of sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD affects approximately 1 in every 15 adults in the United States.
Symptoms of SAD : What It Is and How to Help Your Child Cope
Symptoms of SAD can vary from person to person. Some people with SAD only experience mild symptoms while others may have more severe symptoms that interfere with their daily life. The most common symptoms of SAD include:
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and sluggish all day long even after getting enough sleep at night
- Hopelessness: Feeling pessimistic or negative about the future
- Weight gain: Increased appetite and cravings for carb-heavy comfort foods
- Irritability: Feeling easily annoyed or agitated
- social withdrawal: wanting to spend less time with friends and family
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a daily basis for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor or mental health professional for an evaluation as you may have seasonal affective disorder.
What Can You Do About SAD?
If you think your child may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, there are a few things you can do to help them cope. First, try to encourage your child to get outside for at least 30 minutes each day—even if it’s cloudy or cold outside. Exposure to natural light can help improve mood and energy levels. Additionally, you can try having your child spend some time in a light therapy box. Light therapy boxes emit bright light that simulates sunlight and can help reduce SAD symptoms. Finally, talk to your child’s doctor about whether antidepressant medication may be right for them.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. It’s thought to be caused by a lack of sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms. If you think your child may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, there are a few things you can do to help them cope, including encouraging them to get outside for at least 30 minutes each day and having them spend some time in a light therapy box. Talk to your child’s doctor about whether antidepressant medication may be right for them.
Therapy in Brandon
If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety is especially high during the fall season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!
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