If you’re a Midwesterner, you know all about winter. While
starting out exciting and beautiful, it can get “old” as the snowy season
continues into March and April. As the winter begins to drag, sometimes, so do
we. Along with post-holiday lull in excitement, the lack of sunlight, cold
temps, grey skies can cause some people to get a little “stir crazy” or the
“winter blues”. For 10-20 % of people, this can be a more significant “Seasonal
Affective Disorder” or SAD.
This is not just an adult issue; children and adolescents
can also suffer these symptoms. They may experience feelings of irritability,
fatigue, or even low self-worth and hopelessness. Children with true seasonal
depression struggle to concentrate on their schoolwork. Their grades may drop,
worsening feelings of low self-esteem. Symptoms that last more than two weeks
are cause for concern.
Both “winter blues” and SAD can be helped. Studies have
shown that daily physical exercise, exposure fresh air, sunlight (when it’s
available) can all really help. It’s also a good idea to eat healthily. Fresh
fruits and veggies are a little more expensive and harder to come by this time
of year, but even frozen versions are chocked with vitamins. Taking a separate
vitamin D supplement of 400-600 units a day for children is also recommended.
Getting a good night’s sleep each night can also help recharge the batteries.
Finding ways to enjoy the winter as a family, indoors and
out, can make the time more enjoyable for everyone. Older kids might enjoy sledding
or winter sports like skiing, ice skating or snowboarding and snow shoeing. Get
out there and build a family snow man, or bundle up and go for a walk if there
is no snow to be had. Schedule family game nights and family movie nights at
home, things that people can look forward to (other than just the end of
winter).
By Dr. Ann Jones, pediatrician at
ThedaCare Physicians-Pediatrics in Appleton