Sad and tired When teens become depressed in the winter

Every kid has a bad day. That may be due to a five in math, problems with the girlfriend, or trouble with the parents. But if the depressed mood lasts longer and the teenager often reacts irritated, it can also be a so-called "winter depression". In this case, parents should be especially attentive and go to the doctor with their child for more than two weeks of ongoing complaints.
Increased tiredness and irritable mood can be important warning signs
Outbursts of anger, increased irritability, sad mood and constant depression: If teenagers are "in a bad mood" for a long time, parents should take this seriously. Because especially in the dark season, the symptoms mentioned above, according to a release of the information portal "kinderpsychiater-im-netz.org" also indicate a so-called "seasonal dependent depression" (SAD). Headache or abdominal pain, chronic fatigue and a sudden drop in performance at school could be important alarm signals. "Often they have a pronounced need for sleep and usually more appetite than usual - especially on carbohydrates," explains Ingo Spitczok Brisinski of the Professional Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy in Germany e. V. (BKJPP).

Picture: tunedin - fotolia

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the age
If children and adolescents suffer from such depression, it would be expressed mainly by lack of interest and lack of motivation, but the other symptoms usually depend on age. Small preschoolers are therefore more affectionate and passive when they are mentally ill. In addition, stomach ache and headache as well as sleep problems occur here more frequently. In contrast, according to the experts, teenagers tend to retreat and do not allow anyone to get close to them. In addition, weight loss, reduced self-esteem and, above all, a depressed mood in the morning are often the cause.

In case of persistent complaints necessarily to the doctor
If the symptoms persist for longer and / or there is a marked drop in performance, unexplainable neglect of interests, flight into alcohol and / or illicit drugs or suicidal thoughts, those affected should seek the advice of a doctor. This can accurately clarify the symptoms and distinguish a seasonal depression from other forms of depression. "A child and adolescent psychiatrist should be consulted if there are clear limitations in emotional state and performance. Even if mild symptoms last longer than two weeks, the specialist should be consulted, "adds the child and adolescent psychiatrist. Indications of a seasonal depressive phase are accordingly an annually recurring symptom, as well as the family history plays a role.

Regular daylight can help
If a seasonal depression is confirmed, it can often help if you move regularly and go out in the open air every day - even on a cloudy day. As a key trigger of seasonal depression is a lack of natural daylight due to the lower light intensity and the shorter days in winter. According to the info portal www.kinderpsychiater-im-netz.org, about 1% of preschool children and 2-3% of primary school students are affected by depression. Of the 15 to 19 year olds, about 5% suffer from it. (No)