Welcome back to our blog! As we continue into the fall season and experience more chilly days, we’re continuing our exploration of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by looking into how it can affect the children and adolescents in our community. Although children and adolescents are not the most likely demographic to suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder, they still experience SAD. We hope to increase the likelihood of early recognition and support for young people experiencing SAD.
Recognizing Symptoms in Children and Adolescents
There are a cluster of symptoms that make SAD recognizable, yet SAD can present differently in younger age groups. For instance, you may notice your child or teen being more cranky than usual or crying more often. Your child or teen may also be thinking more harshly about themselves or may blame others more often than they previously had. If you notice your child or teen is having a harder time staying focused on conversations or in school, this too may be a symptom of SAD. This age group is also likely to become more fatigued, lethargic, withdrawn, and experience significant changes in appetite.
What are the Potential Triggers and Risk Factors?
As we all know, a child or teenager’s academic and social lives are the primary sources of distress for them. As school gets back into session and deadlines are coming due, children and teens can feel immense pressure to succeed resulting in a high level of stress. A high level of stress can aggravate symptoms of SAD.
Children and teenagers also need to develop and maintain friendships with peers for healthy development. For many, this is a primary source of stress as they try to navigate peer acceptance, bullying, friendships, and conflict. As they experience difficulties in their relationships with others, the stress inflicted can also exacerbate symptoms of SAD, such as the tendency to withdraw and isolate from others. It may also contribute to a sense of hopelessness.
The Role of Family
Your family plays a significant role in the way your child will handle stress and SAD. Developing an open line of communication with your child and/or teen helps create a safe space for them to talk about their feelings and symptoms. It also provides you with time to gauge how you feel they are doing and how they’re responding to changes in their environment. Don’t be afraid to express concern for your child if you notice some of the symptoms listed above. Let them know you see what they’re going through without judgment and are here to support them.
Treatment Approaches
Therapy is a great option for children and teenagers to find support and coping skills for SAD. Different approaches will be used for different age groups to ensure the child/teen is using age appropriate skills to cope. The therapist will also work with your child/teen to develop resiliency skills to help them endure the long months winter. We know children with less coping and resiliency skills are more vulnerable to experience SAD, so working with a therapist to improve these skills is vital.
Medications are also available to help manage symptoms for children and teenagers. Their pediatrician can meet with your family to explore the options and answer any questions you may have regarding treating SAD with medication.
Creating a Supportive Home Life
In addition to professional resources, there are things you can do at home to support your child/teen. Work with them to implement a routine that will support their mental health. As much as children and teenagers don’t want to admit it, structure helps them know what to expect each day and is crucial to set them up for success. Help them establish a good time to wake up and go to sleep to ensure they’re getting the hours they need.
Work together as a family to come up with outdoor activities you can enjoy together. There are so many opportunities to get outside to get some sunlight, it’s just picking what fits your family the best. Your family may enjoy sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, etc.
Conclusion
Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect anyone of any age. Recognizing the signs and symptoms can be tricky, but is vital to improve the outcome of SAD on your child or teen. We know parents are juggling so much on their plates so do your best to check in with your family and ask questions when you feel something is off. Our team of therapists are always here to help support you and your family as well.