Winter Blues?
Printed in the Family Post: Holiday Issue 2006
From Dr. Gayle Peterson's "Ask Dr. Gayle" Column
QUESTION: My 10-year-old daughter gets upset and
crabby in the winter months. In the summer she is a happy
child. But come October she flies off the handle at any
little thing and cries easily. I have heard of winter blues. Is
this a seasonal thing? What can I do to help her?
ANSWER: Your daughter may be experiencing seasonal
affective disorder, or a milder version of the “blues”
brought on by sensitivity to decreased sunlight. But do not
stop short of evaluating other factors, such as academic
challenges at school, social friendships, or other life
stresses that she may be reacting to at this time.
Dr. Norman Rosenthal, author of “Winter Blues”
suggests that this disorder is caused by a combination of
factors including shortened daylight, stress and genetic
vulnerability. He estimates that up to 14 percent of the
population experiences some depression as a result of
decreased sunlight in the winter months.
Symptoms may be depression and lowered physical
energy, often resulting in increased irritability, angry
outbursts, and crying spells in some children. Others may
respond with lethargy, a withdrawal from activities, and
poor concentration.
Some scientists view this disorder as a product of a
modern society that confines us indoors, in general,
magnifying the normal ebbs and flows of biochemical
changes that occur with the seasons, especially for those
already vulnerable to stress.
The latest recommendation for treatment of this condition
requires sitting under a light box that emits 5 to 10
thousand lux of ultra-violet filtered light for
40 minutes each morning. Hypothetically, the
light reduces the levels of the neurochemical,
melatonin, naturally awakening us from the
sleep cycle as we get ready for our day’s
activities. It is thought that the body’s balance of
neurochemicals, especially melatonin levels that
help regulate the sleep cycle, are disrupted for
those suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
And while most of us respond to artificial light,
others do not, leaving their melatonin at high
levels during their wake cycle.
Aside from ordering a light box (about $300.)
there are several things you can do, if you feel
your child is suffering from a lack of sunshine.
EXERCISE
Many parents have coined the term
“cabin fever” to describe similar symptoms.
Children are particularly sensitive to the need to
burn off excess energy through physical activity
and play. Keep your child physically active throughout the winter months. Indoor swimming,
ice skating or sledding can be useful stress
busters. Physical exercise may release hormones
and neurochemicals that restore our body’s
balance!
GET AS MUCH NATURAL LIGHT AS POSSIBLE
Arrange to have your child sit near a window to
absorb natural light, while doing homework or
other indoor activity.
REDUCE STRESS
Keep schedules as simple as
possible to avoid rushing. Down time is important
for children. Structure relaxation into your child’s
day, with music, quiet time and plenty of rest.
REGULAR SLEEP AND A BALANCED DIET
Experts recommend keeping your sleep cycle as
regular as possible and avoiding excess sugar and
carbohydrates. (A good idea anyway!)
Help your daughter regulate her sleep cycle, and observe
what calms her. Pacing her day can make a big difference
in both of your lives!
Gayle Peterson, LCSW, PhD is in private practice in Grass
Valley. She works with individuals and couples, and
specializes in marital, parenting, and family transitions,
including childbirth preparation and postpartum
adjustment. She is the author of several books, and her
articles on family relationships appear in professional
journals and popular magazines. She has been in private
practice for 25 years. Her free on-line family seminars
and articles are available through her website: www.AskDrGayle.com. She is available for appointments and
or consultation in Grass Valley at (530) 346-2534.
|
