Kids and Seasonal Affective Disorder

When it seems like winter is hanging on a lot longer than expected, you may notice those "winter blues" in everyone around you...yourself included!  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is usually talked about in terms of adults, but children are not immune. As winter approaches, 10-20 percent of us begin to suffer mild symptoms of SAD. But as the winter weather and gray days continue into traditional spring months, getting back to a regular lifestyle is delayed.

Kids might not necessarily understand feelings that come with SAD, nor do they always know how to communicate them. But there are ways you can help young people and yourself combat SAD.  Simply soaking up more sunshine can treat mild cases of SAD. Increase light exposure, try to spend time outdoors everyday (even on those cloudy days), open window shades, establish a regular sleep schedule, exercise and stick to a healthy diet. 

Check out this KidsHealth article for more tips on talking to young people about SAD.