Is It More Than Just the Winter Blues? Recognizing Seasonal Depression in Your Child

Many parents expect kids to feel restless or tired once holidays are over and the school year really kicks in. But when sadness, fatigue, or irritability linger beyond a few days, it could signal something more serious than just the “winter blues.”

Despite Florida’s reputation as the Sunshine State, kids can still develop seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder or SAD) as a result of even mild changes in light and weather patterns. For kids who are especially sensitive to light changes, earlier darkness can cause drops in brain chemicals associated with mood stability, and kids with a family history of depression could be at even more risk of developing SAD.

For kids, it’s not always easy to understand the signs of depression or to know what to do about them, but as a parent, you can definitely help. In this post, the team at One World Pediatrics offers a brief overview of some of the most common symptoms that could mean your child is suffering from SAD and can benefit from professional help.

1. Noticeable mood changes

Some kids with SAD become unusually moody, irritable, or tearful, even though they may not be able to describe any specific “triggers” for those feelings. Seemingly small frustrations may quickly prompt a larger-than-expected emotional reaction, like anger or sadness. 

These mood changes are triggered by a decline in brain chemicals like serotonin that play key roles in mood regulation. When natural light declines in the winter, your body responds by making less serotonin, and the emotional impacts of SAD become more evident.

2. Increased fatigue

Lower light can affect your child’s sleeping patterns, including the quality of their sleep. As a result, you may notice that when the days get shorter, your child becomes unusually tired out, even after a night’s rest. 

Increased fatigue can lead to changes in alertness and activity levels at school or during social activities, as well. You might also notice your child sleeping a lot more on weekends, having trouble waking up in the morning, or taking naps during the day.

3. Changes in appetite or weight

Just like adults, many kids with SAD respond to their emotional upheaval by craving comfort foods, typically foods high in carbs. Interestingly, this shift in appetite is also related to the decline in serotonin, a chemical that plays a role in appetite as well as mood regulation. Carbs provide a temporary boost in serotonin, which is one reason why kids and adults with SAD crave these foods.

On the flip side, some kids with SAD experience the opposite effect — a decline in their appetite that can result in weight loss. Bottom line: If your child’s appetite, weight, or eating habits change in any way during the winter months, rebounding to normal patterns when the weather warms up again, it could be a sign of SAD.

4. Difficulty concentrating or poor school performance

Seasonal depression can interfere with a child’s ability to focus, stay organized, and complete schoolwork. In turn, you may notice a decline in grades, an increasing number of incomplete assignments, or frustration with homework or tasks that usually come easily. Teachers might report daydreaming, forgetfulness, or a lack of engagement that seems out of character. 

5. Loss of interest in friends or activities

As with major depressive disorder, SAD can cause kids to lose interest in activities they normally enjoy. Your child may not care to spend as much time interacting with friends or participating in hobbies or sports. While occasional alone time is perfectly healthy, a seasonal shift toward isolation can indicate that your child is struggling with SAD.

Help for your child

Even in a warm, sunny state like Florida, emotional changes during winter are real and they deserve professional attention. Recognizing seasonal depression early can prevent it from interfering with your child’s happiness, social activities, school success, and self-confidence.

If you’re concerned your child’s winter slump might be more than just the blues, our team is here to help. Request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood and Apopka, Florida, today.