Children and the Holiday Blues
By Jeanette Martin-Ighedosa, MSW, LCSW, ACSW

A friend of mine asked an insightful question the other day while we were discussing the upcoming holidays. She candidly asked, “Can children get depressed during the holidays like adults?” The answer was a resounding “yes”— not only can they become depressed, but often they do.

During the holidays children can feel many of the same feelings and emotions that adults do. They may often feel a sense of sadness or loss if they think of a family member that has died; not being with one or both of their parents; the loss of a pet or perhaps a move that they have had to make.

If you are concerned about a child becoming depressed during the holidays look for the following signs:
• Facial expressions, do they look sad, loss or apathetic?
• Do they sleep a lot or seem excessively tired?
• Do they seem to isolate themselves from their friends and family?
• Do they show little interest in school, hobbies or seem indifferent to excitement about the holidays?

Depressed children may act withdrawn; easily engage in power struggles over little things they are asked to do; easily get into fights; and sometimes have physical complaints like stomach or headaches. If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms you might want to do one of the following:
• Spend some time with them before you jump to conclusions. Ask them how they are feeling, and if there is anything that is causing them to be sad.
• Let them know its okay to feel sad about something that has happened and that especially during the holiday’s people can feel extra sad.
• Let them know if they need someone they can talk to that you are there.

If the problems persist over a two or three week period, the child may need to talk to someone else like a counselor, social worker, psychologist or a psychiatrist if problems persist over a two to three week period.

Remember that the holidays should not represent what we can give our children materially but more importantly provide for them experiences such as time spent with family; establishing fond memories or rituals like making a favorite cake or pie; going to grandma’s; or other life-enriching experiences.

Children are people too! They have a wide range of emotions just as adults. The holidays may be a special time for them to need a little extra attention.

Jeanette Martin-Ighedosa MSW, LCSW, ACSW is the Clinical Director Niles Home for Children.