It’s not only adults who suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety; children suffer, too. One in 33 children will develop a mood disorder at some point in his or her childhood. This incidence is lower than that found in adults, however, childhood depression and anxiety might be even more important to address, since children are developing their coping skills and have less awareness of long-term consequences than adults do. While not every cranky moment, incidence of test anxiety or sad day constitutes a mood disorder, there are many lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, that support mood in all children – those with a clinical diagnosis as well as those who are simply having a bad day. The following simple steps may minimize the rainy days, prevent medication, and teach children how to feel better short-term and take care of themselves long-term.
Healthy Blood Sugar
Children’s small bodies are very sensitive to sugar. Highs and lows in blood sugar can create mood swings and make children more irritable, anxious, short-tempered and emotional. I affectionately call this the “post birthday party crankies”. This phenomenon occurs a short while after a child has had something that’s sweet, has little nutritional value and is low in protein. A sugar rush may make the child agitated and hyperactive, and be followed by an emotional, fatigued and cranky episode when the child’s blood sugar drops. Proper nutrition, avoiding too much sugar, and in some cases even supplements can help prevent these incidences.
Healthy Fats
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids are fats your body cannot make; they must come from your diet. Certain nuts and seeds, as well as fish (all of which are foods that are lacking in many Amerians’ diets) have these fats. Researchers have found that these fats combat depression by plumping up neurotransmitter receptors and making them more effective. One small study in 2006 found that supplementing with fish oil, with no other therapy or changes, improved symptoms for children ages 6- 12 who had been diagnosed with depression.
Proper Sleep
Lack of sleep affects anyone’s mood. There are many reasons for a bad night’s sleep, including stress, poor blood sugar control, noisy neighbors, or an uncomfortable bed, but for the most part children should be able to sleep through the night. Poor sleep can be a symptom but also a cause of mood disturbances in kids. Researchers are now finding that some children are not as effective at making the hormone melatonin, which is essential for falling asleep. If a child is consistently not sleepy and struggles with bedtime, evaluation of their nutritional or hormone deficiencies may improve their sleep and mood.
Also, sinus congestion and runny noses may not be too problematic during the day, but at night obstructive sleep can inhibit proper sleep patterns, keeping kids from reaching the more restorative sleep. Addressing allergies and stuffy noses with nutrition and herbs may reduce your household consumption of tissues as well as improve your child’s sleep and mood.
Extra Nutrients
To support proper brain chemistry, a child needs many B Vitamins, Magnesium, Iron and other nutrients to construct neurotransmitters. Researchers have found that some people cannot take the folate or folic acid found in food and multivitamins and transform them into active forms of folate that the body can use to make things like serotonin. They have identified genetic mutations that translate into a sluggish enzyme which is responsible for this. People with this mutation, known as MTHFR, are more at risk for depression, infertility and cardiovascular disease if left untreated. Because there is a genetic component, if a child’s parent has a history of any of these conditions, the child may be more susceptible to these conditions as well. The diagnosis and treatment for this condition is simple. A blood test can screen and confirm the presence of the genetic mutation. Taking an active form of folic acid, known as MTHF, will bypass the sluggish enzyme and supply the body with all the nutrients it needs. Once a child’s body has all the right pieces to make happy and calming neurotransmitters, mood, sleep and other concerns associated with this deficiency improve.
There are many faces of mood disorders, mainly because there are many causes, environmental, nutritional and chemical. Discovering the cause of a child’s mood imbalance not only improves the quality of their life in the short term, but prevents unnecessary medications and reduces risk factors for other health conditions in their bright futures.
Dr. Lauren Gouin is a board certified naturopathic physician, accepting new patients for her family practice in Manchester, CT. Dr. Gouin is in network with most insurance companies. For an appointment or more information, please call (860)533-0179 or visit www.ctnaturalhealth.com.