Slight Changes in Light

 Winter marks the beginning of the harshest changes in nature. The final brown, red, and yellow leaves find their way to the ground as the trees and stems that hold them no longer have the vitality to do so. In the same way, we, as creatures of biology as well as intellect, must cope with the coming of winter even when it is seemingly out of our control.
One such concern is something that almost everyone has probably dealt with sometime within their lives; seasonal affective disorder. Reported as a mental health concern in the 1980’s, this disorder is a form of depression that can affect anyone during fall and winter seasons. Some of the symptoms that one can face include changes in mood, low energy, increased sleep, overeating, and difficulty concentrating. And while these symptoms can range from mild to severe, it does not discriminate in regards to age as even children can be affected.
Granted, as residents of sunny California, we could think we are exempt from such changes, but the reality is that our circadian rhythms respond to the shorter days and lack of sunlight negatively. It is important to realize, then, that kids who are more sensitive, should not be overlooked or blamed for such changes.
In my opinion, the way to overcome negative performance in school and lifestyle changes are the simple tried and true methods. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting out more are the best treatments, but other helpful supplements include getting more vitamin D, keeping a journal, and sticking to a strict schedule. Vitamin D supplements will help as our exposure to UV rays decreases, while keeping a journal is a therapeutic way of getting negative feelings out. Lastly, sticking to a strict schedule will help us maximize our exposure to sunlight.
I believe it is good to be aware of the differences between depression and SAD in children, as the way we deal with them can be drastically different. Finally, as educators, we should strive to be aware of each child’s situation and assist them in ways unique to them. Their performance in school, while mainly mental, can be maintained with these practical treatments.
For more information, please call Thinking Tree & Learning at 1-844-READSCV (732-3728) and visit online at www.ThinkgingTreeUSA.com