Getting Through Winter's Gloom?

Beep beep beep! Your alarm rings, but it's so dark outside that you'd swear it's still the middle of the night. Ever notice your little one struggling to get out of bed when it's still pitch black outside, or wanting to curl up under a blanket the moment they're home, especially on those dark winter days? If you've got Third Culture Kids (TCKs), kids who've grown up in different cultures, you might see that the winter blues affect them a bit more. And if they're still dealing with jet lag from holiday travels, it can be even tougher.

Living in a place where sunlight is a rare guest might not sound like a choice many would make willingly. But believe it or not, some places go weeks without seeing the sun. Take Utsjoki in Northern Finland, for instance.

Did you know that Finnish people have a word for when the sun sets in November and doesn't show up again until January? It’s called kaamos.

So, how do you find the energy to get through the gloomiest days of the year? Let's hear some tips from the experts—the folks from Northern Finland :

Tips from Northern Finland to Brightening Your Winter Days

• Encourage your little ones to step outside, catch some sunlight, or take a walk in the dark to lift their spirits.

• Help them take care of themselves—ensure they get enough sleep, take breaks, move around, eat well, and consider checking their vitamin D levels. A bright light therapy lamp can be beneficial.

• Support them in connecting with friends and family on a deeper level through activities like long walks or cooking together.

• Explore local traditions together, whether it's sledding in Finland or hitting the beach in the Netherlands on New Year's Day.

• Plan little getaways, such as a visit to a garden, spa, or a new place.

• Ensure they stay warm! Feeling chilly can make them cranky and tired.

• Encourage them to embrace the darkness with cozy candles, enjoyable movies, and stargazing.

• Remind them, “Remember, the days will get longer again”.

Let them know it's okay to feel tired or a bit down during winter; it happens to the best of us. Winter brings its own set of challenges like exams, freezing weather, and maybe big changes, like switching schools. So, encourage them to be kind to themselves.

When to seek help?

For some kids, though, the winter blues can turn into something more serious called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It's not just feeling a bit down—It manifests as a recurring depressive episode specific to fall or winter, with symptoms ranging from fatigue and low mood to disruptions in daily functioning. The key distinction lies in the impact on daily life: a person affected by the winter blues can usually manage their routine, whereas someone with SAD may struggle with daily activities like schoolwork.

For those wrestling with pronounced or persistent symptoms, professional support is available. SAD appears to be linked to reduced sunlight exposure, disrupting certain biological processes in the body. Mental health professionals can offer effective treatment strategies for those grappling with SAD.

If you or someone you know is finding it challenging to navigate the dark winter days, explore our services page or send us an inquiry message.

Remember, the darkest days will give way to brighter ones.