Hello, I am Sam’s mom. My son Sam battles SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder every year during the winter months. Those are trying times for not only him, but for me too. My heart breaks as I watch him struggle. On the other hand, I have so much admiration for him as he continues to battle when others would have given up. Sure there are some rough days for him, but they don't last. The hardest part is being pushed away. I remind myself it's not my son Sam pushing me away, but the SAD Sam that pushes me away.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is the depression that accompanies SAD in my son. I don’t seem to be able to help him. I worry that he will commit suicide when I am not longer alive.
What is your current state of mind?
I look for positive things about people. I like to laugh and enjoy a good joke.
That doesn’t mean I am never sad or I don’t feel depression. When those times happen, I try to see the blessings in my life.
Which living person do you most despise?
I despise people who hurt other people both physically and mentally.
Which talent would you most like to have?
If I could have any talent, it would be being able to sing at the Metropolitan Opera.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
The lowest depth is having an illness that causes depression which you have no control over.
Thank you for the insightful interview. Readers, scroll down to read more about this great book for kids.
Title: Why Is Sam So SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression from a Child’s Perspective
Author: Dan Granger
Genre: Picture Book, Child Psychology, Educational, Self Help
Amazon genres:
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
Book Blurb:
This colorful children's book captures the essences of what it is like for a young person to have SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder which is a form of depression. The book is about a boy named Sam who suffers from SAD. Sam tells the reader all about what he experiences and feels. He goes on to explain what causes this sadness within and how the weather plays into how he behaves during this time of year. He tells the readers how he treats his friends and family and even his dog during this SAD time of the year. Sam expounds what the letters S.A.D stand for in Seasonal Affective Disorder. He discusses the remedies he uses to combat SAD. Some include taking unusual vitamins, staring at a special light and the burdensome task of remembering something good that happened during these SAD days. Sam ends the book reminding the reader to practice gratitude. Because Sam feels you can’t be angry and grateful at the same time.
Trailer link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmSdqt1FsqA
Buy links:
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Author biography
Dan Granger
Why is Sam So SAD?
Dan grew up in the Midwest and has coped with SAD every winter since he was a child. However, that has not stopped him from achieving his goals. He received his bachelor of special education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He received his master's degree in early childhood education from Northern Arizona University. He is a certified reading specialist. He was a former teacher with fifteen years of experience teaching students from preschool through high school. In addition, he even tutored college freshmen.
Teaching is in his blood and it even comes out in his writing.
He has lived in the Arizona sun, but today he lives in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Go Packers!”
Social media links:
Author Gmail
Author Facebook page
Daniel Granger
dgranger70
YouTube
Thank you for the intriguing character interview!