20:36
Sunday 25 September 2022
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I wrote – Nada Sami:
Some children experience mood swings in the fall that can last into the winter, which mental health professionals refer to as “seasonal affective disorder (SAD).”
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A type of depression, it usually occurs during the fall and winter, but a small number of people suffer from it in the spring and summer, according to the “Very well mind” website.
Is Seasonal Affective Disorder a Mental Illness?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is included in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a type of depression.
Read also: Seasonal Depression .. Your complete guide to overcoming it
Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children
Mental health experts believe that seasonal affective disorder is caused by a higher level of melatonin in the body on days when there is less sunlight than usual.
Additionally, children can develop seasonal affective disorder as a result of the following factors:
Having a family history of seasonal affective disorder.
Living in areas where the day is short.
Suffers from social anxiety disorder.
Seasonal allergy.
You may be interested in: How does a mother discover her child’s depression?
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children
Dr. Laila Rajab, a family and mental health consultant, confirmed that seasonal affective disorder is difficult to diagnose in children, due to the similarity of its symptoms to other health and psychological problems, such as thyroid activity.
The mental health counselor added that there are signs from which a mother can infer that her child has this psychological disorder, including:
Agitation for no apparent reason.
Constant feeling of sadness.
Loss of interest in favorite activities.
– Low power.
Changes in eating habits, such as overeating.
Feeling tired.
Constant desire to sleep.
– Social isolation.
You may also be interested in: 5 causes of depression in children
Treatment of seasonal affective disorder
According to Rajab, seasonal affective disorder in children can be treated by undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions, with the need for parents to follow a series of instructions, to help the child get rid of this problem, in particular:
Determine a suitable daily routine for the child, which includes many activities, taking into account the commitment to it as much as possible.
Encourage the baby to sleep and wake up early.
Ventilate the house well and open the windows of the child’s room to let in sunlight.
Expose the baby to sunlight every day.
– Do not abuse the child or blame him for his sadness and isolation.
Participation of the child in some daily activities and practices.
Constantly talk to the child about his condition.
Hold the baby constantly.
Read also: Does your child suffer from anxiety? -Know what kind of anxiety he has
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