has my son got SAD

Sorry to hear that your son and, consequently, your family are having such a difficult time.

I have heard (and experienced) that SAD can affect a sufferer at different levels of severity each winter... some winters have been dreadful, some I have coped with well without light therapy or medication, (this one has been a bitch, but she's on a leash now!). So, if it is SAD, that could explain the varying severity of your sons emotions and behaviour in winter.

I can relate to the way your son is reacting, however. It sounds as though he is quite anxious on an evening. (Anxiety is a symptom). Is he putting a brave face on all day and then letting his bottled up feelings out in the evening in the security of his own home with his family I wonder? that's how I get through work sometimes.

Even if you did allow your GP to refer your son to a psychologist, this can only be a good thing. If your son 'does' suffer from SAD, I'd like to think that a qualified psychologist could make an accurate diagnosis. Perhaps you could voice your concerns with the psychologist at your sons first visit so he is aware of the seasonal patter of your sons difficulties.

I must admit, a few months ago I was ready to go and see a psychologist myself (I actually wanted to book myself into hospital, things got that bad!). I know I suffer from SAD, but when you are in it, it's so bad that you can't beleive that the thing that is making you feel so terrible is actually just a physiological thing to do with an imbalance of chemicals in the body!

I do hope that things improve for your son and your family.

Thoughts are with you.

Ruth

Hello again,
I've worked out how to shortcut you to my post!!

http://www.outsidein.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=469

Bye for now.

robbo. x

Hello

Just been thinking, I use a light box after my therapist suggested it, and we got talking about school, college and uni,

Not only can kids be sufferers of sad, the way the school year is structured in the UK, around christmas, this is generally half way through the year for those doing GSCEs, A Levels and Uni, there are huge pressures of coursework at this time of year, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel (no pun intended!!), summer equates also to the completion of exams and the school year, and also to a well earned break.

And also, because of the school year, kids spend more time outside in the summer, with the holidays, and outside sports at school, and more time indoors in the winter.

Breaktime is so important for all, not just to catch a bit of fresh air but to catch some light!!

The smokers in my office go for their fag break and I go for a 'light break'.

Hi,my son who is 5 has suffered from sad since he was 3 although we didnt know wat it was until he was 4. he needs a light box everyday in autum right through 2 spring. he is very emotional,tired,uninterested and he isnt hungry.i think that i will have to move to a sunny country just so he can be happy. i hate seeing him like this!!!!! i give him vitamins and iron to try and keep him healthy but this autum he has been soooo sad already i just want to make him better.help!!!!!!

Hello there. Sorry to hear of your plight (i know you posted in 2005!) so not sure its still a problem. This sounds like a mirror or me when I was a kid! 11 years old, went to a new school and bang, anxiety hit! I was so scared for months. Its only now in my 30's I can say its SAD! I always remember saying to my mum - crying - that I hate cloudy days :) I suspect that year I didn't go out with my primary school friends (we all went to different schools)

I recall always feeling better going out for walks with my dad to the park and cycling etc, get him out as much as you can.


Good luck :)