SAD when it rains

My daughter, who is 15 years old, gets very miserable when it rains. She pouts, does not want to get out of bed and the next minute when the sun is out, she is back to her regular pleasant self. I have noticed this for about a year now. Could she have seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) also known as seasonal depression, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms at particular times of the year. Symptoms of SAD may consist of difficulty waking up in the morning, morning sickness, tendency to oversleep and overeat, especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family and social activities. All of this may lead to depression and feelings of hopelessness. If your daughter presents with these symptoms, then take her to a psychologist for an evaluation.

Should I take my child abroad with me?

I saw some scholarships being advertised in the papers this week and will be applying for one. I am a mother of one and hope to go away to study in September. Do you think it is wise to take my 10-year-old child with me? His father supports him financially, but I would not have anyone to leave him with.

Take your child with you and enjoy your studies. He will benefit from the rich cultural experience in a new country.

Can I let him down easy?

My husband is a very active member of his service club. They do a lot of great work in communities across Jamaica. He wishes that the family, all four of us, go with him on the trips and functions. This is very stressful for my children aged seven, nine and 12. Many times, they are doing homework in the car. I do not want to hurt his feelings. How can I tell him that we cannot go to so many of these events with him? It is also affecting the household chores I have to do.

You need to just let your husband know that you the children are drained from travelling and that you are behind in your housework. You can let him know that you are willing to go on special activities with him. Try to go out with him as much as is possible.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston. Responses to concerns are to be considered as general, as cases shared with psychologists privately would be queried more deeply. Pray always!