The dreaded Canadian winter. Every year around this time, I notice that many of my patients with brain injuries feel much worse. They are moodier, unmotivated to do exercises that facilitate their recovery, and complain more about overall pain and feelings of depression. They are experiencing what’s known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD for short).
While it’s clear that people with acquired brain injury and cognitive issues are especially sensitive to the cold weather and short days, Seasonal Affective Disorder also impacts those with learning disabilities and ADHD. This is because the additional stress from seasonal changes affects mental capacity and ability to concentrate.
In Toronto, we’re no strangers to cold weather (it’s currently -15 Celsius outside as I’m writing this), so unfortunately this is an issue Dr. Blackstock and I see often when we conduct psychoeducational assessments during the winter months. Many of the students we diagnose with ADHD and Learning Disabilities, both at the elementary and college level, also struggle with the symptoms of SAD. These observations are supported by various research, which also demonstrates that SAD is more prevalent in female students.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
KidsHealth does a great job of describing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in children:
- Changes in mood: sadness, irritability, and/or feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness most of the time for at least 2 weeks; tendency to be more self-critical and more sensitive than usual to criticism; crying or getting upset more often or more easily
- Lack of enjoyment: loss of interest in things that are normally enjoyable; feeling like tasks can’t be accomplished as well as before; feelings of dissatisfaction or guilt
- Low energy: unusual tiredness or unexplained fatigue
- Changes in sleep: sleeping much more than usual (which can make it difficult for kids with SAD to get up and get ready for school in the morning)
- Changes in eating: craving simple carbohydrates (i.e., comfort foods and sugary foods); tendency to overeat (which could result in weight gain during the winter months)
- Difficulty concentrating: more trouble than usual completing assignments on time; lack of usual motivation (which can affect school performance and grades)
- Less time socializing: spending less time with friends in social or extracurricular activities
Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children:
Based on my experience as a child psychologist, there are several things that seem to help seasonal affective disorder in kids with or without ADHD and LD:
- Educating yourself as a parent about SAD in order to recognize the symptoms and help your child understand what they’re going through
- Vitamin D supplements
- Spending extra time outdoors – just remember to bundle up!
- Switching out your child’s desk lamp lightbulb for one with sun spectrum light
- Taking a family trip down South, if possible
- Seeing a child psychologist for additional support if your child is dealing with more severe feelings of depression or low mood
- Getting your child extra homework help (e.g., tutor, study group, fun learning games, etc.)
Most importantly, be patient with your child during this period of time and remember that a new season is coming soon.
– Dr. Irina Valentin