Helping Your Teen With Seasonal Affective Disorder

If you or your loved ones ever struggle with the changing seasons, you aren’t alone - teenagers can be affected just as much as adults. Essentially, these mood changes that occur when the seasons change can happen at any time, but more often than not, they happen during the transition from the summer into the fall and winter months.

Along with a temperature change, shorter days with less sunlight can also affect mood, which can then begin to improve in the spring once the daylight lasts a bit longer. These mood changes occur when the seasons change can happen at any time, but more often than not, they happen during the transition from the summer into the fall and winter.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms that people experiencing seasonal affective disorder might have include issues with concentrating, poor sleep quality, overeating (and subsequent increase in weight), and withdrawal from family and friends.

While the signs and symptoms will vary from person to person, they are certainly something to keep an eye on, especially regarding behavior and overall emotional health.

If you suspect seasonal affective disorder in your teen, an evaluation is definitely warranted by a professional healthcare provider. Once the proper diagnosis has been made, treatment options can then begin. Of course, treatment plans will be specific to each person, but some options are worth looking into. Let’s dive into a few possible choices to help your teen fight the battle against seasonal affective disorder!

Treatment Options

Exercise

Whether going to your local fitness center or even taking a walk through your neighborhood, exercise is excellent for boosting mood and increasing endorphins. Research has also shown us time and time again how physical activity can decrease stress, which can play a role in seasonal affective disorder.

Lace up your sneakers and head outside for sunshine or to the gym for a lifting session with your teen to beat those wintertime blues.

Phototherapy

Sitting in front of a light box at your home for a designated amount of time each day is similar to being in the sunshine, which is ideal for those locations that don’t see much sun during the winter (or when it’s dark by 5:30 pm each night)! While the specific type of light box needed should be discussed with your healthcare provider, utilizing this light daily can boost mood.

Neurofeedback

More commonly referred to as IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback (IASIS MCN), this simple treatment adjusts brain waves for the mind to regulate itself better. Your teen will be able to determine just how much activity is going on in their brain and subsequently be able to regulate it appropriately.

Neurofeedback has been used for multiple purposes, including concentration, emotional disorders, sleep issues, and ADHD.

Healthy Eating

Unsurprisingly, we want to fill up on empty carbohydrates when the weather gets colder and seasons change. However, focusing on consuming a whole, nutrient-dense diet (i.e., lots of fruits and veggies, lean meat, and whole grains) can go a long way toward improving mood and boosting health throughout the winter months.

Bottom Line

If these conservative treatments don’t seem to help your teen with depression or mood swings, contact the specialists at Liahona Academy.

For over twenty years, Liahona Academy has been at the forefront of helping teens and their families rally against depression, behavioral issues, and even substance abuse problems. With Liahona, you’ll be one step closer to having a dedicated team that provides the support and structure your family needs to combat your teen’s issues.

So reach out today and see how you can get your teen started on the path to better mental health with the changing seasons!