Light the way: Supporting children and young people through Winter ❄
The Winter chill can bring wistful thoughts of bright lights, warm mittens and festivities, but for some children and young people (CYPs), it can also usher in a season of worries and challenges.
It’s thought that the ‘winter blues’ and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affect 1 in 20 people in the UK. While they shouldn’t be confused (understand the difference here), neither should be ignored, affecting people of all ages, including children.
As we navigate the colder months, it’s important we support the mental health of our youth. In this blog, we’ll explore methods and resources to ‘Light the way’ for parents, caregivers, and educators supporting CYPs through the Winter season.
Children and the ‘Winter Blues’
As the days draw in and the temperatures drop, you may notice school work slipping, children appear more irritable, unmotivated, and less likely to play. They may not be aware of their feelings, or the cause for this drop in mood and rise in anxiety.
Begin by understanding the signs and symptoms. Look out for changes in mood, energy levels, and behaviour, and remember that each child may experience winter challenges differently.
If you suspect a CYP has SAD, your first direction should always be to contact a doctor. A doctor will be able to assess the child for possible causes for any symptoms, and point you in the right direction or the best course of action. However, whether it’s SAD, or Winter Blues there is plenty you can do at home to support your child.
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
❄Create a warm and inviting space
Environment plays an important role in a child's well-being. Start by wrapping up, and explore ways to make your home or educational space a haven of warmth and positivity. From reading nooks, to weighted blankets, maximize your natural light and look for ways to make small changes to bring comfort. Even small things can have a significant impact on a child's mental health during the winter months.
❄Get Outdoors
While the temptation to hibernate indoors is strong during winter, outdoor activities are crucial for mental and physical health. Encourage children to get outside, explore winter-friendly activities such as snowman building and nature walks. Fresh air and physical activity can lift spirits and provide a natural antidote to winter blues.
❄Stay Active
Encourage children to suggest activities they enjoy and support them in making those activities a habit during the colder months. A healthy body will go a long way to supporting a healthy mind. Remember to stay hydrated, keep a well balanced diet and get a good night's sleep too.
❄Digital Therapeutics for Winter Well-Being
Digital therapeutics offer innovative solutions to support mental health from the comfort of home. Consider incorporating apps and online platforms designed to reduce stress, and anxiety, and equip young people with the tools to build long-term resilience.
Lumi Nova is an NHS funded service supporting young people aged 7-12 to fight fears and manage worries. An intergalactic adventure game, exploring planets, customizing characters and earning treasure, your child breaks their fears and worries down into manageable steps, learning life-long skills and building resilience.
Accessible for free, safe, non-stigmatising and available 24/7. There are no waiting lists for support, and the app is available whenever and wherever you need it. Find out if Lumi Nova is available in your area here.
❄Connect with your Support Network
Remember, you are not alone. We all experience the winter blues from time to time, so chances are someone else in your network is going through the same thing. Reach out to teachers, friends, or mental health professionals, for advice, support and suggestions. They may have ideas you haven’t thought of, or you may find parents who want to band together to get outdoors and create fun team activities to boost spirits.
Most of all, be patient and stick with it. Create a safe space for them to express themselves, and actively listen without judgement. Let them know that it’s seasonal. Even though it may happen again next year there are things you can do to help. Reassure them that even though it may seem hard right now, that things will get better.
We hope you’ve found this resource useful. Let us collectively commit to "Light the Way" for our children and young people. By fostering understanding, creating nurturing environments, building healthy habits, and incorporating digital therapeutics, we can navigate the challenges of winter together. Remember, a little warmth, compassion and patience go a long way in illuminating the path to a brighter, happier season for our youth. ❄️✨
Remember
Childline offer free 24/7 support for mental health. If you feel a CYP in your care needs crisis support please contact Childline.
For any non-emergency health needs, contact NHS 111 Online or call 111 as a first port of call.
For more information around supporting adults and children with symptoms of SAD, visit Mind.