Ankita was a bright young girl, all of 12 years old. She studied well, got good marks in school and had a reasonable number of friends. However, when her grades in school began to fall during the winter semester, and she preferred staying alone at home, instead of mixing with friends, her parents started getting worried. They decided to keep an eye over her. So it came as a surprise to them that her marks again picked up during the coming summer, and she became her usual, chirpy self again.
What Ankita seems to be going through is a type of depression usually found in adults, that is affected by the changing seasons! Surprised? Yes, the winter ‘blues’ that we all feel and know so well, affects some people more seriously than others, and it can be found in children and adolescents too! Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, this type of depression usually peaks during the winters, when sunshine is in short supply and the days are much shorter. SAD is usually recognizable in adults, but children too can be affected by it, though it is more difficult to diagnose it. Children sometimes experience feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem. They may feel life is hopeless and that there is no longer anything “good to look forward to “. A child may feel “blue”, and may shirk away from his friends and peers. Fatigue, longer hours of sleep and difficulty in concentrating on his studies are some of the observed symptoms.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, in specific times of the year- in seasons like winter, for example, do not panic! SAD is curable with proper medication and therapy, according to the medical community.
Here are some of the symptoms in greater detail:
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LOW LEVELS OF ENERGY: Feelings of listlessness, low energy levels and a general feeling of fatigue.
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CHANGES IN EATING HABITS: A craving for comfort foods like pizzas and pasta could occur in this phase. Sugary foods also could become a constant demand.
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CHANGES IN SLEEP PATTERNS: Sleepiness, difficulty in getting up in the morning in time for school could be observed.
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CHANGES IN MOOD: Crying for no reason at all, tendency to react with extreme sensitivity to criticism or comments, sadness, lethargy etc.
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NO ENJOYMENT: Life suddenly seems dull and without hope. Even simple tasks seem difficult and there is a heightened sense of dissatisfaction with everything around.
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It has been observed that shorter days and longer nights contribute to the onset of SAD. 6 out of every 100 people usually develop these symptoms, and it is mostly prevalent amongst older adolescents and younger adults. A family history of depression can also aggravate the situation.
TREATMENT FOR SAD:
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There are many forms of treatment available for SAD, INCREASED LIGHT EXPOSURE, LIGHT THERAPY, MEDICATION and even TALK THERAPY.
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The best way to deal with the situation would be to observe if there are any changed patterns of behavior in your child, these patterns have to be consistently prolonged, and then decide upon the relevant course of action. Take the help of your doctor who is the best person to advise you about what needs to be done.
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The good thing is that India is a sunny country-with plenty of sunshine to go around! So always make the best use of the day- go for walks with your child, and see to it that he gets plenty of exercise. Eat healthy and feed your child plenty of fruits and fresh, green vegetables. Avoid flour and sugary foods. Keep in touch with friends and let your child mingle with his friends. Give your child plenty of oil massages during the winter to keep him warm and cheerful. Our grandmothers knew what they meant when they insisted on applying lots of warm til (sesame) oil to the scalp and body!
Above all, just remember to align yourself with your child’s moods- SAD is perfectly curable, so take immediate help- of your doctor and of course, expose your child to lots of sunshine!