Seasonal Affective Disorder and Winter Blues: Treatment Options: Light Therapy for SAD

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Improve your mental health with the free course, courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd

[@donniedarko1345]

Grew up in NJ, lived there for 23 years. Suffered SAD every winter. Moved to San Diego in 2000 and never had this problem. Now I'm in North Carolina and its February......hence why I'm here....viewing this video.

[@anniepavlick]

I moved to a warmer climate. It has helped tremendously with the SAD.

[@seanhu2136]

Where did you move to? I am thinking to do the same

[@anniepavlick]

@@seanhu2136 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

[@flyingfin5303]

My doctor said for me to do that in my 20s.im now 52 and still in Ontario, Canada. Looking for the right time to make my move!

[@malcolmarmstrong906]

@@flyingfin5303?? So, You're actually happy there or you need to make real connections of help where you will be better, in order to help you make the betterness move in reality..

[@malcolmarmstrong906]

I offer this to you, but I am however trapped, financially. Though those that win find logic energy/motivation of reality with proper checks ticked to walk to the better place_Change needs proper preparations but make it fun and include God _ My notion is good but I'm weak, or cowardly, logically, and, kindly. *Protected. I need to realise strength in better, kindness and proper God real assisted logic_

[@stephie640]

The SAD mixed with covid lockdown has truly taken a toll on me. Motivation is zilch. Blechhhhh

[@ella.q366]

❤

[@MrPaddlepower]

Snap . Hang in there .

[@the_world_of_marketing]

I'm going through freezing temperatures, a divorce, and SAD. Wish me luck.

[@BrandenBrazil]

Me, too! This winter has been brutal for me.

[@swolfe9668]

​@@the_world_of_marketinghow about you stop feeling sorry for yourself, consider your divorce a happy thing

[@goodheavens1]

I hate winter so much, I love Christmas but I hate every single day where it isn’t sunny and warm (which is most days here in the UK)

[@Hshjshshjsj72727]

move to california haha .

[@goodheavens1]

@@Hshjshshjsj72727 As much as I do like the USA I would rather be cold than have to pay like 400 grand if I have to get emergency surgery

[@Hshjshshjsj72727]

@@goodheavens1 I thought we have obamacare now ?

[@goodheavens1]

@@Hshjshshjsj72727 fair enough then

[@kbs1212]

​@@Hshjshshjsj72727Who the heck wants to move to the US

[@hailynewma9122]

you can’t hate winter when someone greets and smiles at you like you do :) happy solstice!

[@TheGreekPianist]

I live in Virginia and it’s been cloudy here the past 5 days. Not the slightest sunshine and I feel “dead” inside and have low energy and zero motivation. Thank you so much for the therapy and advice ❤️

[@Elan2026]

Same, I’m in Old town Alexandria and I feel it too.

[@TheGreekPianist]

@@Elan2026 Oh that’s awesome! I used to live in the Woodbridge/Dale City area but live in Fredericksburg now :)

[@nicoleonfeels]

I’ve never experienced SAD until this year. Thank you for covering this - makes me feel like I’m not the only one 😊

[@jillhoward1879]

You are definitely not the only one! I suffer with it, too.

[@jameskantor0459]

May also want to talk to your doctor about Wellbutrin as well.

[@feurigerStern]

This is has not been a normal year.

[@rebeccajones9757]

I've been dealing with it for about 10 years and you are certainly not alone!

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

Been dealing with it for 15-20 years. But I’ve always gotten depressed on even just a couple overcast or rainy days. Doesn’t take much! You would think by the age of 40 I would’ve moved to sunny California, but... nope. I’m a masochist I guess.

[@1legend517]

Every year i get this and its a damn struggle. Extremely tough to do simple things. I just have this feeling of being a zombie, unable to and no desire to do anything. No control over it.

[@k-drama_kpop_fan]

I'm having same issue tell me solution plzz 😢

[@user-mf8rt7nn5c]

This is such a helpful video! I always feel my worst between January and March. This year it was so bad and painful I attempted. This should be taught in schools and have more awareness, especially for someone like me who has depression and lives in Canada. This video made me feel seen

[@wilfredobenitez7275]

I had no idea Light Therapy could affect serotonin levels. This video is a revelation. Thank you!

[@swisstrader]

Been doing light therapy for one week now and it def helps with mood and more energy. I’m doing about half hour per day. Actually look forward to it now.

[@kristymarie6065]

Where did you get the light?

[@karenbentley9296]

You sound very upbeat and that made watching the video positive for me. I just bought a therapy light and am looking forward to doing better this year. Thanks!

[@amberdavis6243]

I live in Alaska, and boy I never had SAD until I moved here

[@stephie640]

The two years I lived there the struggle was real. It was a challenge for sure!

[@amberdavis6243]

@@stephie640 yeah I've been here, I guess this is my 5th winter and its getting better but it's still rough

[@mem9563]

I also lived in Alaska and those winter days were crazy, especially when I worked night shift. Never saw the sun.

[@SomeRetroGuy]

Is it really night time for a month straight????

[@amberdavis6243]

@@SomeRetroGuy not where I live, but in the arctic, way North in Barrow yes you get the polar night. We have about 4 hours of daylight where I live.

[@p3arl-luk1]

It doesn’t help that I experience this around my favorite holidays. Makes matters worse that my friends always decide to go be jerks around this time of year 🙁 I’m glad that there is videos like this out there to help people get through it

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

Thank you for this video. Needed it bad. Watching with my sun lamp blasting my face as I write this, haha! To everyone suffering from SAD + COVID lockdown blues... there’s a light at the end of the tunnel - hang in there!! And Happy Holidays

[@infoaddict2738]

Finding your videos has literally been an answered prayer.

[@MrPaddlepower]

I use a light box and it literally has saved my life , love your smile )).

[@longjonz88]

i've experienced undiagnosed SAD as far back as college! I only picked up on it because I started noticing trends in my mood and behavior where around the fall and winter times I notice lower levels of motivation, energy, and general disinterest in anything where I normally do just fine in the spring and summer months. A longtime friend of mine got me a therapy light back in the day and I have been using one ever since! it helps tremendously especially for those of us that have to wake up early for work. the intense light in the AM hours really does help jump start your body into action. It also helps during the evening hours when you get home from work as well!!

[@the_world_of_marketing]

Spot on! Your videos are always so calm and comforting. I am seriously considering going back to my home country (Brazil) after dealing with SAD for so long here in Denmark... you made me feel better

[@TomUlcak]

For me, summer is depressing. I suffer through it and it affects me mentally and physically. Fall, Winter and Spring are what I look forward to - to get OUT of the hellish thing summer is.

[@KayfabeUndertaker]

I relate to this. It was over 70 in the Midwest and I’m having a very rough go today.

[@jaredhooser1928]

This is me I really struggle with the heat of summer especially when the weather pattern gets stuck and we stay bright sunny and hot 90+ for what seems like forever 🥵 I get energized when it rains and in colder weather..

[@TomUlcak]

@@KayfabeUndertaker The people who complain the most, incessantly, are those who say they're 'cold'. We have to listen to it all the time 365 days a year because they complain if the AC is on 'too high' or it's 'cold' outside. I am weary of it. Those of us who are always burning up don't complain as much. We suffer silently. DON'T DO THAT. If you can, move to a place which is more reasonable and people know and prepare for cold weather. They don't complain, they prepare and expect it. Why do we put up with people who constantly complain about being 'cold'? ALL my life, I've had to listen to the never ending whining. If you are cold, put on a sweater or a coat. Scarves are a necessity. So, shut your pie hole, be an adult, and DRESS APPROPRIATELY. The scarf is a necessity to cover their yapping mouths that can only form the words 'It's cold'. SHUT UP. We can only get undressed to a certain point. Even if we were naked, it'd still be too hot in the environment 'cold' people want. hmm... 'cold people'. I think I'm onto something...

[@StephenOsborne-q1m]

You moaning americans anyone want to swap houses with me in the summer I live in england we're lucky if we get a summer

[@kays1400]

Thank you for this!! Fom southern CA to South WA. It's been a very dark and lonely few years. You're channel has helped a lot.

[@sisterfrennn]

Same, I’m from LA, & just moved to VA & really having a hard time especially rn. The weather is terrible 🥹

[@qweasdpoilkj3835]

Here to learn about wife's SAD. Thanks for the info!

[@rebeccajones9757]

Thank you for helping me through the winter! I am planning on going for a walk outside this afternoon to get exercise and daylight.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Awesome

[@farah7wu979]

Hi, do you want to try our Therapy Lamp? Our lamp helps brighten up your office space and gives you a boost of energy when you're stuck indoors all day. We hope your delivery address is UK, I will send you the item for free.

[@elainebezak7158]

@@farah7wu979 I live in the USA, and maybe your offer of the free therapy lamp is long past. But I would definitely appreciate the brand and type of light you were referring to. I am grateful for your assistance 🌟

[@edithstiltner2774]

I have used light therapy for the last 20 years. My happy light is mounted on the wall by my bed and on a timer.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Thank you for posting this. You make the world a better place 🙂

[@donna25871]

I had a really bad case of SAD the winter I was living in Hungary - coming from Australia I was not prepared for the short days and lack of sunlight. Pitch black by 4pm in the afternoon - not normal.

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

It’s almost as bad here in NYC where I am. Sunset at 4:28, before the solstice.

[@GooberTheGreat]

This is one of the first videos that actually made me sad

[@magretkindermann360]

Your video is treatment for winter blues by itself! You have such a lovely and relaxed and authentic presence with ease on camera. Also I'm researching how to enjoy my life more during winter and you are the first video on KZbin that actually had something to say. Thank you and stay warm!

[@AshaL2377L]

Okay, she's convinced me. I'm going to dig up my lightbox and mount it on the wall somehow.

[@SistersTape]

light therapy: angle above the eyes, large light area, best right after wake up, be consistent, 15-45 mins, don't stare directly at it, do it around the same time every day

[@doowop54]

Educated is a great, unforgettable book - how interesting your mom knew Tara’s mom

[@mimiteas]

I am so happy I found your channel. Thank you for making all these videos, I really appreciate you. ❤️

[@imranr99]

I have dealt with SAD since I can remember. When the lockdown happened and I left the office, I thought that I should tell my colleagues how to live through it. My winters used to be like mini lockdowns. Not anymore. I use a lightbox, which helped me to get up in the morning and stay awake. But I was miserable. Antidepressants helped lift my mood. I also had a season of counseling, with mixed results.

[@Californiansurfer]

I sleep more. Love it.

[@ella.q366]

yes! me too. specially this year.

[@donnamarsh2432]

i finally bought a heavy coat so I can walk after work like I do most of the year. Have a small light .....may try the bigger one. winter never used to bother me, but the older I get, it seems to get worse. I'm trying to convince my hubby to move to FL!

[@MelB868]

It hasn’t been cold enough yet for a heavy coat

[@MelB868]

I’m scared of very cold weather after having covid and double covid pneumonia in January 2021

[@angelachristie1703]

What a great, helpful video! I love your energy and presence 🤗 It's so warm and friendly 😊

[@olhamukhina7570]

I have to tell November always sucks for me! Now I have an answer

[@OVI-Wan-Kenobi-8]

Try living in arctic wasteland of northern Alberta, Canada where its 9 months of freezing arctic winter a year, where it snows as early as September and lasts as late as May and the temperature can drop below minus 40 degrees in the dead of winter.

[@matthewgonano636]

Literally sounds like purgatory

[@auroram8ify]

I never feel sadness like this before I used to live in a very sunny state this is my second winter here is a small beautiful city people is great and kind but man winter 🥶 is been hard for me so I’m going back this spring to the sunny state !

[@purohiti]

The camera quality is amazing!!!

[@natashamudford4011]

You have such a soothing voice. Please consider doing a longer sleep video (sans advertisement) that can be played to help a person doze off. You'd have to find something really boring to read, so that the listener would want to tune out, and it may need to last about an hour. (Something out of an engineering textbook would do the trick for me!) I have a low voice like you. I've always felt like it didn't sound feminine, but many guys have complimented me on it, saying high-pitched voices get on their nerves. Hearing that made me feels so much better...

[@toad1971]

Hi I currently live in Phoenix, AZ and I still experience "SAD" a bit during the Winter but not as bad as when I lived in Northern California where it would get grey and rainy. So even in AZ when the days get shorter and we get a few cloudy days I feel a bit down. All that being said, I'm grateful that I don't live where it snows in the Winter as I don't think I could handle it. At least here I can go outside and soak up some sun when I need to and it helps. Also AZ doesn't roll the clocks back in the Fall which I am so thankful for. When I lived in NorCal every Fall we would change the clocks back and it would start to get dark at 4:30 pm - that was really hard for me.

[@kirtisharma5414]

Best video on this topic on the internet

[@gerrycleary1215]

Your voice is so soothing and your very attractive. These videos are so relaxing. Thank you!

[@333EYE]

Thanks for this video, much love 💚👍🏼

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

You’re welcome!

[@a.o.9594]

Always look forward to your videos. That help regularly. I was making good progress than around early October started feeling it. I finally recognized it. My doctor has me on vitamin D to help as well as light therapy. One positive is that the cold helps ground me.

[@rodolfosantana9015]

one video and im already CRUSHING on you

[@anthonyturton8091]

I have a small SAD lamp,used it for a few years , a small but perceptable improvement in mood . I found vitamin D supplement. October to march to be even more effective. not a cure but better is good .

[@6FootVampire]

9 hours of light in the winter seems like a dream, we got 5 in sweden

[@polat6810]

U re such a powerful woman! I admire how u do this life

[@myerwerl]

Its dark, and raining season. Im not a depressed person but i noticed i feel down, unmotivated and all things negative when the season is looking over.

[@penelopeperez5349]

Amazing tips, thank you! And happy Solstice! :)

[@StephenOsborne-q1m]

I get it in the summer aswell in england were lucky if we get a blue sky for one full week

[@djkenny1202]

I’m having trouble, right now. As soon as the grey hits in the PNW. I wish we could move.

[@TrialTappersMentalHealthTips]

I love your view to channel our natural inherent patterns or symptoms during the seasons. Great ideas to try during this universe experience.

[@KellysMagicalRealm]

I’ve had this issue harder in past. I don’t mind the darkness of winter it’s the being stuck in my driveway for days because of snow and when the temperatures drop so low. I don’t like forced air it is so drying.

[@rebeccaegly6318]

Than you for this, and for "de-dramatazing" uncomfortable symptoms. Merci from france :)

[@sunshine-gj8lq]

Could you do a video that covers some therapy/cbt techniques that could be used to address s.a.d? please and thanks

[@farah7wu979]

Hi, do you want to try our Therapy Lamp? Our lamp helps brighten up your office space and gives you a boost of energy when you're stuck indoors all day. We hope your delivery address is UK, I will send you the item for free.

[@deerheart87]

@@farah7wu979 can u send me one please ?

[@farah7wu979]

@@deerheart87Sure, but we just accept UK address, if you so ,PLS contact me.

[@farah7wu979]

@@deerheart87 Of course dear, but we only accept UK addresses. If you so, can you give me your E-mail? I will send you our theraphy light pictures.

[@Ant-ux9wh]

Can you do a vid on Homework Anxiety and Panic? I tend to get super anxious when I have to do homework and then often just put it off

[@JohnM...]

"Morning in winter...which he no longer hates, for he knew it was merely the Spring asleep. " 'The Selfish Giant' by Oscar Wilde.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Yeah-I’ve got to do some work to appreciate winter-it’s just harder with kids! Cant get out as much

[@reneeodayok859]

Yes. I have found positive thinking patterns are so helpful 😊

[@judymarkel8029]

Yup SAD got the t shirt My husband put full spectrum lights in our kitchen and that ended the days of crying through the winter. Haha We live in Idaho, we get some bad inversions here. No sun for weeks on end. My Dr. put me on D. I was low We walk most of the winter. Layers lots of layers. Great video. Thank you for your time and energy to help me through...things

[@chriswood4510]

Ok I’m gonna make some glasses that beam UV into my eyes all day and stay high performance all year

[@raybellows9851]

I live in a sunny place and I STILL get SAD because of these short days.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Yep!

[@stormchaser419]

November to March. Just brutal. Consecutive days of clouds just play havoc with my thoughts. Ruminative and negative thinking are just more pervasive. It looks like it's back to Prozac or Zoloft now.

[@MineshBaxiYT]

I remember those winters in MI. I started business in 2000. Now I just leave in winter to FL.

[@komorebihouse7272]

You are awesome! Thankyou for this info and your general calm and nurturing demeanor 😊 I’m struggling with some SAD up in Canada

[@Californiansurfer]

I worked in Elkhart Indiana. Meet Amish family they spoke Spanish. Made good friends, yes saw snow up to,6 feet. I remember, not working today. Snow. Now I know. Downey California

[@activebryantsystems215]

Fantastic video as always really enjoyed it thank you very much how many people get to see you they are suffering from sad at the moment

[@karenglenn2329]

I have found being around people younger helps. I am 77 and work in a facility that is rather like a semi assisted living nursing home. I live in a senior apartment so if l am only around people aged mid 70s to late nineties there is not enough balance. 🙃 During the year of the mask l made contact with younger people texting.

[@NatouCBS]

I remember those parts in "Educated"- wow.

[@malcolmarmstrong906]

I've not dealt with my emotions from as a boy due to my father coming home angry and annoyed from work and expressing himself so that us boys, I'm the eldest, *(protected), his sons, his children, (serotonin goodness), could hear and see him this way for this reason, affecting Me by making me feel internally agitated and then wanting to pitch in and help sort it but not realising real hearing opportunity and offering some help of understanding. (Yes, Circadian rhythm.)(Minding and alleviating mania)(Important Healthy personally relevant Socialisation ie Considering our condition due to affects) By Lord Thankyou for going to this trouble to researching and finding helpful points and subject areas to speak of to help us with this Seasonal affective (mood) disorder phenomenon and syndrome.

[@MarianaFerreira-l1f]

I am unsure if what I have is bipolar depression or sad but it did start in September

[@adaintydream8759]

never knew this is a thing i fucking hate winters don’t wanna get out of the bed and feel intrnse guilt of not completing my goals

[@soulheights823]

I have a Sunbox and it doesn't work. It's supposed to be 10,000 lumens top of the line lighting but it didn't help me last winter. So good luck with that everyone...

[@FSCHW]

I prefer the cold shorter days in the winter. In the summers it's hot, uncomfortable and the days never seem to end. Expectations and needs from others are lower in the winter. Easier to find quiet time. Easier to sleep in the cold.

[@matthewgonano636]

Sounds depressing

[@MelB868]

Winter is depressing and scary especially when it gets really cold

[@FSCHW]

@@MelB868 just the opposite for me. Winter is comfort.

[@brianfromtheambar7944]

Thanks for the videos. They are such hard work and time expensive. BTW: I am typing this by the light of my new light panel @ 5:20 a.m. (New user trying to treat anxiety and some serious sleep pattern dysfunction). We are heading into winter, so maybe another episode on light therapy, (or a reprise of the two former)? A sort of primer for the coming months? Your videos are among the best, and are certainly among the more accessable via your delivery. If you decide to create a companion for the previous two, can you walk us through some of the science in less distilled detail? Explain the proper timing/use of these devices daily, (when to use them or perhaps when not to), for optimal results, and the trajectory of results (days or weeks etc.). And what about the different colours of light? My lamp has varying hues as well as the full spectrum white. I have no idea what to do with coloured light so far. Thanks again. Hope you're well. Hope you're busy. And I hope you and your family are all as happy as your local bylaws permit. Cheers!

[@trilokatmadasa3180]

Thank you so much 🙏 You have beautiful and uplifting energy:) Love you 🧡

[@dice9888]

glad im not alone

[@bobbylincoln7869]

happy first day of winter

[@hannaht4683]

This was very helpful, thank you.

[@steviekeane]

Also I've found a halogen heater can help a little for mood . It's worth a try they are quite cheap . Just lay in front of it while .its really bright and warm too like the sun .

[@ma_niz]

Thank you for this!

[@mrjrl5778]

recently moved to washington and have been feeling more down lately, figured it's cause of the weather :(

[@alexandrosalexandropoulos4836]

Great video as always even though that I hate summer/sun/sand/sea etc! I feel the blues between May and September! I guess it's due to that I live in a country that we have sun 300 days a year! (Greece)

[@miracudrag]

You're so great! I wish I could be more like you 😊😊

[@ginnieassenza1869]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@feurigerStern]

Is this why I can't get out of bed? LOL. Currently, I am currently unemployed and just finished school finals for graduated degree. I have become a hibernating bear. There is actually research that shows students do better grade-wise in the spring and not as well during the fall and winter months.

[@simmi8464]

Thank you Emma 💕

[@LilithsOwn303]

All year round I feel lethargic as soon as the weather is bad with a lot of dark grey clouds. No matter whether it is Winter or Summer. Just as well as getting up and going as soon as there is some blue skies with sun outside. I am not confined to Winter only. :(

[@matthewgonano636]

I'm the same. Any little bit of cloud i am completely understand. I hate it. I need to live somewhere constantly sunny

[@bruceshearer1719]

Thank you......

[@amberdavis6243]

Where I live in Alaska its like 4 hours of daylight and it gets worse the more north

[@DGKED-td7mf]

Holiday depression adds even more. What do you suggest when you are by yourself and no one else is available.

[@ebbenielsen7]

The interesting thing is why many people do NOT suffer from SAD. Whatever the reason for that is, in any case, these people do not have a narrative of the awful winter time that they repeatedly tell themselves (and their surroundings) and for years. For what happens when you focus on one thing in your head and in your thoughts - it gets bigger. But it is of course more convenient to see winter depression primarily as something external such as lack of light than it is to see it as a result of destructive thought processes and inability to accept the various living conditions that belong to a human life.

[@ibenbakandersen]

So do you have SAD because you are missing something chemical in your body in the winter that others are not missing? Or do you have SAD because you have created a construction that winter and darkness are very heavy and depressing? I think that is also the interesting question.

[@ibenbakandersen]

The test must be whether you have reconciled yourself with your SAD and do not think further about it, or whether you rather overthink or otherwise ruminate over your discomfort about darkness and winter.

[@julies4718]

Love your videos!!! Thank you!

[@chewysugar971]

I have the flip side. My anxiety and depression get so much worse in summer.

[@jamescypress9369]

Same ugh I’m dreading it

[@lowrimitton1641]

That was brilliant

[@VividSol]

Ok I'm in with the light therapy

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Yeah! I’ve loved it

[@rasorax1288]

I have a question: Are antidepressants an avoidance or can they be additional therapy for rewiring our brain??

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

Microdosing psilocybin and LSD rewires your brain. Sounds scary / dangerous / illegal, I know, but it’s been legalized in two locations in the US so far. And it isn’t a psychedelic experience; you take a sub-perceptual dose and you don’t feel “high” or anything like that. Over time, it actually rewires your brain; SSRIs do not. It’s been proven to essentially cure treatment-resistant depression. As for the SSRIs, to most people they’re only as effective as exercise, and if they work, they tend to work only for the first year or so. I’ve been on one for about 10 years, and I feel as miserable this year as I did before I started. The best I felt was when I was working out at the gym 3-4 times a week, for 5 years. When I canceled my membership, the depression and anxiety came back, even though I’m still taking the SSRI. Everyone is different, of course, but my experience is fairly typical.

[@theabhorrentchef7226]

I has to click on this video. I’m the opposite of all this. I despise the heat and the summertime and get depressed and hide out in the AC. Ever since the weather has been cooling I’ve been out and about every evening for walks, doing yard work, going out etc. I love the fall and winter