08:36 PM
Sunday 25 September 2022
I wrote – Nada Sami:
Some children experience mood swings in the fall that may last into winter, which mental health professionals define as “seasonal affective disorder (SAD).”
What is seasonal affective disorder?
A type of depression, it usually occurs during the fall and winter, but a small number of people suffer from it in the spring and summer, according to the “Very well mind” website.
Is seasonal affective disorder a mental illness?
Seasonal affective disorder is included in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as a type of depression.
Read also: Seasonal depression.. Your comprehensive guide to overcoming it
Causes of seasonal affective disorder in children
Mental health experts believe that seasonal affective disorder is caused by a higher level of melatonin in the body on days when there is less sunlight than usual.
Furthermore, children may develop seasonal affective disorder as a result of the following factors:
Having a family history of seasonal affective disorder.
Living in areas where the day is short.
Suffering from social anxiety disorder.
Seasonal allergy.
You may be interested in: How does a mother discover her child’s depression?
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in children
Dr. Laila Rajab, a mental and family health consultant, confirmed that seasonal affective disorder is difficult to diagnose in children, due to the similarity of its symptoms with other health and psychological problems, such as thyroid activity.
The mental health consultant added that there are signs from which a mother can infer that her child has this psychological disorder, including:
Agitation for no apparent reason.
Constant feeling of sadness.
Loss of interest in favorite activities.
– Low power.
Changes in eating habits, such as overeating.
Feeling tired.
Constant desire to sleep.
– Social isolation.
You may also be interested in: 5 causes of depression in children
Seasonal affective disorder treatment
According to Rajab, seasonal affective disorder in children can be treated by undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions, with the need for parents to follow a set of instructions, to help the child get rid of this problem, most notably:
Determine a suitable daily routine for the child, which includes many activities, taking into account the commitment to it as much as possible.
Encourage the child to sleep and wake up early.
Ventilate the house well and open the windows of the child’s room, to allow sunlight to enter it.
Expose the child to sunlight daily.
– Not to abuse the child or scold him for his sadness and isolation.
Child participation in some daily activities and practices.
Constant talking with the child about his condition.
Hold the baby constantly.
Read also: Does Your Child Suffer From Anxiety? – Know What Kind of Anxiety Has It