Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), more commonly known as “The Winter Blues,” affects millions of American adults and children every year. A primary symptom of SAD is a change in mood resulting in feelings of sadness, depression, increased irritability, and possible feelings of hopelessness. SAD also impacts an individual’s ability to think positively. They may lack enjoyment, seek social isolation, have low energy, increase their want and/or need for sleep, and increase their cravings for comfort foods instead of healthier food choices. SAD differentiates from clinical depression due to the fact that the depressed mood and symptoms typically will last 4-5 months. Adults and children in northern climates are at a higher risk of developing SAD symptoms as the fall and winter seasons shorten the hours of sunlight significantly each day. Whether parents notice symptoms of SAD in themselves, or their child(ren), the symptoms must be taken seriously. Therefore, families need to be prepared to face SAD symptoms, or the Winter Blues, together!
The good news? There are many things parents can do to help themselves, their children, and their family overall thrive throughout the bitterly cold winter days!
This blog was written by Post Adopt Coordinator Katie Davis, LBSW
References/Resources:
Hull, M. (2021). Seasonal Affective Disorder Statistics. The Recovery Village. Retrieved from Seasonal Affective Disorder Statistics – The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Seasonal Affective Disorder. (NIH Publication No. 20-MH-8183). Retrieved from NIMH » Seasonal Affective Disorder (nih.gov).
Lyness, D. (2020). Seasonal Affective Disorder. KidsHealth. Retrieved from Seasonal Affective Disorder (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth.