why kids’ mental health needs extra care during the colder months

In the cold winter months, children and teens tend to spend more time indoors rather than venturing outside with friends. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emergency department visits for mental health in children increase during the winter months. The shorter days, isolation and reduced sunlight can lead to symptoms of depression. To help children shift focus, experts with The Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by the behavioral health professionals at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, recommend proactively addressing mental health in kids by highlighting Seven Ways to Cultivate Happiness.