How to Spot Seasonal Affective Disorder and Seek Treatment So You Find Relief

Feeling SAD? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Have you noticed you or your children have been feeling gloomier than usual? Do you not feel like engaging in activities you used to enjoy? Are you overeating and oversleeping and wondering why?

You’re not imagining it — in the winter months, you or your loved ones may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression influenced by the change in seasons and resulting lack of sunlight. People with SAD experience symptoms similar to depression, from mood changes to low energy to difficulty concentrating.

SAD usually occurs around the same time every year, beginning in the fall months and ending during the spring or summer. While far less common, some people experience summer SAD.

This is not a case of “the blues” you should tough out on your own. In fact, symptoms may be so severe that you or your loved ones find it hard to function or perform necessary daily tasks.

If your child is experiencing SAD, their friendships and performance in school may be suffering because everything feels like it takes so much work.

But there is hope! Treatment for SAD does exist, and may include psychotherapy, medication, light therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Symptoms — How do I know if I have SAD?

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor and/or a mental health professional.

Symptoms of SAD may include fatigue, despite oversleeping, weight gain associated with carbohydrate cravings, and many of the symptoms are similar to major depression, including:

• Feeling sad, down or depressed most of the day
• Changes in mood (increased irritability, sensitivity, feeling discouraged)
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Feeling sluggish and having low energy
• Changes in appetite (usually over eating) or sleep (usually over sleeping)
• Finding it difficult to concentrate or make decisions
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
• Thoughts of suicide or death

SAD is more common in women than it is in men and typically starts when a person is between the ages of 18 and 30. However, children and adolescents can also experience SAD, and it’s important to know the signs so you can support your child and help them seek treatment.

Recognizing SAD in Children and Teens

If your child is irritable or lethargic, you may think it’s due to a lack of interest, motivation, or simply due to a bad attitude. Maybe your teen is sleeping even later than usual and you’re guessing it’s because they’re on their phone half the night.

Try to approach the situation with care — changes in behavior or mood may be because they’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Bring up your concerns directly with your child or teen so they feel supported, not judged or accused.

Teens are notorious for being surly — but if their irritability seems to be linked to the seasons, SAD could be the cause. Talk to your child. Try saying something like, “It seems like you’re having a hard time lately. I’ve noticed you don’t spend as much time with your friends, and you’re sleeping a lot. Is something bothering you?” They may not know about SAD, or know the root of their symptoms. Suggest making a doctor’s appointment together to rule out underlying medical conditions and discuss SAD with their physician.

Treatment

You and your child probably don’t want to wait until spring or summer to feel relief. Light therapy, antidepressant medication, talk therapy, or a combination of these can effectively treat SAD. Talk to your doctor — they will want to rule out mono, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and other possible underlying medical conditions to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and staying connected with family and friends can help support you and your family as well.

Provide Your Child With Extra Support

If your child or teen is suffering from SAD, they will likely need extra guidance and care from you.

• Participate in their treatment. Explain what SAD is in simple terms and how it may manifest in their behaviors or feelings.
• Help with homework. Children and teens suffering from SAD may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and may experience emotional distress from feelings of worthlessness and irritability. Give them words for their emotional experience. Explain that they are not struggling because they are stupid or incapable. Help them organize their homework into manageable tasks they can feel good about. You may want to speak to their teachers about homework extensions until things improve with treatment.
• Spend time outdoors. Encourage your child or teen to exercise and get as much sunlight as possible. Try taking a daily walk together, or encourage other physical activity.
• Provide healthy meals. Carbs and sugary foods will likely exacerbate symptoms. Help keep their diets healthy and balanced.
• Establish a sleep routine. They may fight you on it, but they’ll thank you later.
• Reassure your child. Things will get better!

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, consult a doctor or seek help at the closest emergency room immediately. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 800–273-TALK (8255).

Sources:

(January 2020). Seasonal Affective Disorder. Nemours Kids Health. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sad.html

(October 2020). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder

(December 2021). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

(December 2021). Seasonal Affective Disorder & Depression: Conversations Around “The Winter Blues”. Erika’s Lighthouse. Retrieved from https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/blog/seasonal-affective-disorder-depression-conversations-around-the-winter-blues/