Kids get sad too
Most of us have experienced the generalized lethargy that comes with the changing seasons. However, about 6% of people are significantly impacted by these adjustments, especially during the Spring and Fall when the amount of daylight experiences a dramatic change. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And while most impacted by it are adults, it can affect kids and teens also. So, if your child seems like they are having a rough time of it, don't fret too much. It may just be their body's response to the changing season.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, what's happening on a chemical level?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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👉 Melatonin increases⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
👉 Seratonin decreases⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This means more fatigue, quickly irritable, and depression settles in easily.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Other symptoms can include:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
■ Changes in mood (ie. sadness, feelings of worthlessness, more self-critical.)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
■ Lack of enjoyment (ie. loss of interest, increased dissatisfaction, or feelings of guilt)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
■ Low energy (ie. unexplained fatigue)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
■ Changes in sleep (ie. sleeping more than usual, difficulty waking up)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
■ Changes in eating (ie. craving simple carbs and sugar)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
■ Difficulty focusing (ie. trouble completing tasks, lack of motivation)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
■ Less interest in socializing (ie. less desire for friends or extracurricular activities)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What can you do about it?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✔️ Get more light exposure (ie. take walks, hikes, or bike rides outside. If the weather is consistently poor you can purchase a light therapy lamp)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ Take a high-quality D3 supplement. Consume with a meal high in natural fats.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ Talk to them about their experience. Explain to them what's happening and why. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✔️ Be patient and supportive.