January 19, 2026 Child Mind Institute Resources Focus on Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children Seasonal affective disorder – also known by the acronym SAD – is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. For most people, the disorder appears in the winter months and fades when the weather gets warmer. The Child Mind Institute has put together some resources on how to tell if a child is feeling down due to the season or if they are dealing with something more serious. Learn More Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes SAD, but some believe that a lack of sunlight affects chemicals in the brain that impact mood and energy levels. However, a lot of people experience symptoms that look like depression during the winter. SAD and other types of depression can be challenging to identify depending on how or when they appear. The institute provides resources on premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a type of depression tied to the menstrual cycle that is a severe form of the more common PMS. There are articles on treatments for depression, including different types of therapy and medication, and a video in which experts explain how to recognize signs of mental health challenges in teens. There is also a resource on behavioral activation, a therapy commonly used to treat SAD. The therapy involves getting children to do things – such as take a walk or talk to a friend – even if they don’t feel like it. Below are the Child Mind Institute’s resources on seasonal affective disorder. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)? Treatment for Depression Recognizing the Signs of a Mental Health Challenge What is Behavioral Activation? Should Parents Force Kids with Depression to Do Things? How Do I Know If I’m Depressed?
