24
The Fall Bues And How To Cheer Up With Your Kids
Category: Home and FamilyDo you or your child feel blue as fall arrives?
You are not alone.
The further away we get from the equator, the less bright light we have in fall and winter.
This has an effect on our brain that creates this sense of the blues or when it impacts you more than just a bout of the blues, it is called Seasonal Affect Disorder or SAD.
Between 2-10% of people in area’s in the North are estimated to have symptoms of SAD and many more -as you are probably well aware- suffer from the blues.
Signs for yourself or your child to watch
- Sleep problems. Oversleeping but not refreshed, cannot get out of bed, needing a nap in the afternoon
- Overeating. Carbohydrate craving leading to weight gain
- Depression, despair, misery, guilt, anxiety. Normal tasks become frustratingly difficult
- Family/Social Problems. Avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido, loss of feeling
- Lethargy. Too tired to cope, everything an effort
- Physical symptoms. Often joint or stomach pains, lowered resistance to infection.
- Behavioral problems. Especially in young people
(Source: www.outsidein.co.uk/sadinfo.htm)
When you suffer from SAD or SAD symptoms the essential way to battle this is to get more bright light, either by using a daylight or SAD light or by being outside more in daylight.
(Do a search for “SAD lights” and you will a number of providers)
You or your child/youth need the equivalent of a nice bright spring day for 30-45 minutes on a very regular basis to deal with symptoms well.
When there is snow on the ground, go outside and enjoy, as the reflection of daylight on the snow increases the brightness of the light you receive.
For kids/youth activities like playing in the snow, skying are good ways to get them to soak in light and get out of the blues! The physical activity will generate a healthy flow of hormones as well, which helps fighting of the blues as well. They are pretty good for you too!!
If you think you or your child may suffer from SAD, contact your doctor for help as well.
The blues are not a fantasy, nor is SAD, so take it seriously when you or your child seem to have these symptoms. You can act and decrease the effects on your lives.
Create a sense of well being for all by doing things together, playing games and creating an atmosphere of laughter and joy.
It is a lot easier to battle the blues with others.
And having fun is one sure way to do that!
Wouter van der Hall is the author of The Parent Program and a personal coach http://www.theparentprogram.com will give you easy access to positive parenting attitudes, tools and skills.
The Parent Program is a 15 minute a day email/web based parenting program.
You will feel more relaxed, confident and competent as you deal with parenting issues. 24/7 accessible at home and anywhere, so in your time, pace and comfort.
To help you become the great parent you can be.
Tags: children, depression, kids, parenting, SAD, youth