2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44
Everyone reacts differently to changing seasons. Gray weather and diminished hours of sunlight can impact your mood and well-being. More so, seasonal depression can even affect your child.
What is seasonal depression?
It is a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in which the sufferer has symptoms similar to those of depression. As its name suggests, this disorder is cyclical. People who feel the effects are particularly affected during the winter, between October and March.
What signs should your child watch for?
- fatigue and lack of energy;
- sadness or irritability;
- hypersensitivity;
- isolation - your child does not want to see friends or relatives;
- demotivation - for activities that he nevertheless likes to do;
- food - your child looks for carbohydrates (pasta, breads, sweets).
Obviously, you need to observe a change in your child. If it is a routine that you know, that comes up everyautumn, the chances are greater that your child will be affected by the change of seasons.
Take care of yourself
This is the key to getting better. Help your child get out of this state by creating positive and energizing situations for him. Here are some ideas that may help:
A balanced diet
Isabelle Huot, doctor of nutrition, gives some good advice on her blog. To discover
Physical and social activities
Turning to activities your child likes or may like. Moving a little, every day, is good. Get involved with him, he needs your support all the way. You can also invite a friend over or do an activity with the cousins. You have to help your child to break his isolation
Maintaining Good Sleep Habits
If he feels more tired than usual, regularity is even more important
Beware of stress and anxiety
- Children are very sensitive to it. By knowing how to spot the signs and developing effective strategies with your child, you are sure to give him the right tools to get better. Find many tips in the guide Stress and anxiety, managing them for better success.
- In any case, remember that your child will need you to find the necessary motivation and participate in the various initiatives that you set up. It's normal ! However, it is realistic to believe that he will find in himselfthe energy it takes to pursue on its own. If it works, know that it will do him good and help him get better.
Need help?
When should you see a doctor?
You know your child, his character and his temperament. Any noticeable change is a reflection of his discomfort… and he needs your help to get better. If the symptoms persist despite everything and your child continues to isolate himself or experience mood swings, you must act quickly and make an appointment with his doctor.
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