Parents can help children ward off winter mood changes

Published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Dec. 31, 2009

Individuals with a seasonal pattern to their mood, tend to experience signs and symptoms of depression, beginning in the fall and peaking in winter. This pattern is referred to as seasonal affective disorder, or “the winter blues.” Adults are frequently affected, but children and adolescents are not spared from winter blues, especially if family history of depression, bipolar disorder or other related diagnoses has been established.

As the seasons change, so do children’s daily routines, activity levels and social interactions. The days are shorter and colder, so there is less time to play outside and fewer outdoor activities to occupy children’s time. The weather, in fact, can affect moods and behavior. When it’s cold and dark, we see children slowing down and adjusting in different ways. With today’s advanced technology in hand, children and adolescents spend more time alone or on computers engaged in anonymous interactions that do not provide true social contact. Cell phones, texting and instant messaging may connect them with friends but isolate them socially. Subsequently, mood changes are missed; interventions lag behind until social function becomes noticeably impaired. Seasonal affective disorder can intensify these changes.

Help children reduce “winter blues” with the following strategies:

• Maintain a daily routine with regular sleep and wake times.
• Continue outdoor activities when possible – playground activity especially in sunlight is encouraged.
• Engage in family activities – regular dinner gathering; discussion about everyone’s day.
• Be creative with entertainment – board games provide an excellent opportunity for family to gather and have fun.
• Provide a well-balanced diet with lots of fluids, fruit and vegetables. Adequate nutrition results in a better mood.
• Monitor social activities. Be aware of changes in your teen’s social activities. Supervise teenage gatherings and be vigilant for any alcohol or drug use.

In most cases, winter blues last for very short periods of time. If the blues linger, ask questions and engage your child in a conversation about changes you have observed. Though initial responses can border on hostility, there is no substitute for parental supervision and vigilance in monitoring the moods of youth who are particularly vulnerable to seasonal mood changes.

Dr. Duru Sakhrani is medical director for child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry at St. John’s Mercy Children’s Hospital. For more information about St. John’s Mercy Children’s Hospital, please visit www.stjohnsmercychildrenshospital.org