With summer over, the days are slowly starting to get shorter. This often coincides with an increase in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To better understand what this means for your family, consider the following guide to seasonal depression in kids and what you can do to help.

What is Seasonal Depression? 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that only occurs during certain times of the year. It's also referred to as seasonal depression. Symptoms tend to coincide with the shortening of the days when sunlight becomes increasingly scarce. This can cause depression in kids and adults alike. However, as a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child feel sad or lose interest in the things they love. Although symptoms tend to lift when daylight hours increase again, there are things you can do to help during the winter months. 

Signs and Symptoms

The most notable sign of seasonal depression in kids is a sudden change in mood that coincides with the weather. Your children may seem irritable, depressed, discouraged, hopeless, or become very self-critical. They may also lose interest in things they normally enjoy doing or withdraw from their friends. Seasonal depression can also manifest as low energy, changes in sleeping patterns or length, and a higher tendency to overeat. 

Common Treatment Options 

One of the most effective ways to treat seasonal depression is with light therapy or increased light exposure. Since this type of depression is intrinsically linked to a reduction in sunlight, you can utilize full-spectrum daylight bulbs to help offset the impact of shorter days. There are also special lightboxes and panels available that can be used on your children's desks, in the bathroom, or even next to their beds to stimulate sunshine in the morning. However, neither children nor adults should directly stare into these lights, as doing so can affect eyesight. If they seem to be particularly struggling, it doesn't hurt to talk to a licensed therapist to help process the negative emotions they're feeling. 

If you notice any signs of SAD in your children, get help from the child psychologists at Children & Adolescent Clinic in Hastings, NE. This family-oriented clinic provides mental health support to help target depression in kids. They also offer regular medical checkups and nutritional assistance to ensure comprehensive health care for your children. They even offer 24/7 availability for emergency situations. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (402) 463-6828 to schedule an appointment today.