Have you ever noticed a change in your child’s behavior as the seasons shift from the warmth of summer to the colder, darker months of fall and winter? While some mood fluctuations are normal, particularly as kids adjust to new school routines, a more serious issue could be at play: Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a psychiatric condition recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, characterized by depression during the fall and winter months.
“For many kids, some behaviors may just be an adjustment period to school. However, a subset of children may experience more serious symptoms,” says Dr. Sharon Marshall, a specialist in pediatric mental health at Wayne Pediatrics.
Signs and symptoms of SAD
For parents, recognizing SAD can be challenging, as it often mimics the usual ups and downs of growing up. However, Dr. Marshall advises that parents should watch for certain symptoms that persist and even intensify.
“Younger children may show signs such as tantrums, refusing to get on or off the school bus, withdrawing from classroom participation or having difficulty with sleep and eating habits,” she says. “For teens, the signs could be more subtle but still impactful, like avoiding friends, skipping extracurricular activities or suddenly becoming disengaged from school.”
While it’s normal for children to have occasional mood swings or trouble adjusting to a new routine, persistent symptoms that affect their ability to function at school or home should raise concerns. “If your once happy-go-lucky child is suddenly withdrawn or your previously social teen stops engaging with friends and activities, it’s time to talk to them and consider seeing a healthcare provider,” Dr. Marshall advises.
How does SAD affect academic and social lives?
SAD can have a profound impact on a young person’s academic and social life. “One major red flag is a drop in grades,” says Dr. Marshall. “A child who once enjoyed school might stop turning in assignments or even start skipping classes.”
She suggests keeping a close eye on your child’s school performance, as it can be a major mental health indicator. “I advise parents to check in with the teacher about their children’s grades before progress reports or final grades to detect any early signs of trouble.”
Socially, children and teens with SAD may pull away from friends and family. “Isolation can be a big indicator,” Dr. Marshall adds. “If your child is no longer participating in activities they used to enjoy, like sports or social outings, it could be a sign of something more serious than just back-to-school blues.”
What causes SAD and does it affect certain groups more than others?
While SAD can affect children and teens across all races, ethnicities and backgrounds, Dr. Marshall says that family history is a factor. “Children with a family history of mood disorders may be at a higher risk for developing SAD,” she says.
Studies have also shown a possible link between vitamin deficiencies, particularly Vitamin D, and mood disorders. Dr. Marshall recommends adequate Vitamin D as a basic component of good health.
Ensuring a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins is one way to help support mental health, she says. Foods such as fatty fish like salmon, dairy products, fortified orange juice and fortified cereals are all good sources of Vitamin D you can add to your child’s diet.
“For children who may not be getting enough Vitamin D through their diet, supplementation could be beneficial, especially during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight,” Dr. Marshall advises.
Effective treatments for SAD
Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help manage SAD, ranging from lifestyle changes to more targeted interventions like therapy and light treatment.
“Lifestyle changes are often the first step,” explains Dr. Marshall. “Re-establishing a routine, such as setting consistent bedtimes, limiting screen time and encouraging physical activity, is key, especially as kids transition from summer break to the school year.”
The transition from summer break to school is difficult for many children and teens, but for kids with SAD, this change is limiting their exposure to sunlight.
“During the summer months, kids may be outdoors much of the day,” says Dr. Marshall. “When they go back to school, they find themselves indoors for hours. This change is enough to shift their mood drastically, so getting them outside as often as possible will help.”
If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, treatments such as Bright Light Therapy can be beneficial. “Bright Light Therapy involves using special lights that mimic natural sunlight to help regulate mood,” says Dr. Marshall. “It’s more than just your standard 100-watt bulb; the lights need to be specific to be effective.”
In some cases, talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may also be recommended. “Talk therapy can help children and teens work through their feelings and develop coping strategies for managing their symptoms,” Dr. Marshall explains.
Strategies for prevention
While SAD may not be entirely preventable, parents can take steps to reduce its impact.
“Staying physically active and going outdoors, even during the colder months, is crucial,” says Dr. Marshall. “Simple activities like family walks or weekend trips to a local park can help maintain a sense of routine and expose children to natural light.”
Establishing regular family meals is another way to foster open communication and keep tabs on how your child is feeling. “Sitting down together for breakfast or dinner, even just once a week, gives everyone a chance to talk and connect,” Dr. Marshall suggests.
For more information and resources on mental health and mood disorders in children, Dr. Marshall recommends parents visit trusted sources like the CDC or the Wayne Pediatrics website, which offers podcasts and additional guidance on topics such as anxiety and depression.
“Parents know their children best,” says Dr. Marshall. “Trust your instincts, keep the lines of communication open and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you notice a significant change.”
Content brought to you by the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation. Learn more at flinnfoundation.org.
