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The nights are drawing in. Autumn is upon us. For many, the change of season comes and gos with relative ease. But for some, winter is a time of low mood, low energy, junk food, hibernation, or even clinical depression.
For the MindThatEgo Podcast #3, I speak with psychologist and leading expert on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Dr. Kelly Rohan. Kelly has undertaken extensive research around SAD as the Director of Clinical Training at the University of Vermont. Though light therapy is the frequent go-to for combating seasonal depressive symptoms, Kelly’s work has uncovered the important role thinking processes play in regulating seasonal mood.
In fact, the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is more effective than light therapy in preventing relapse. No longer do any of us have to feel helpless victims to our biology and body-clock; by working on our thoughts and creating healthy behaviour patterns, it’s possible to banish winter blues.
Talking points include:
- The difference between normal fluctuation in mood, Winter Blues and full-blow SAD.
- What Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is and how it combats SAD.
- The effectiveness of CBT versus Light Therapy.
- Noting common cognitive distortions contributing to low mood.
- Ways to schedule activities to override the habit of hibernation.
- How cultural messages can give us a bad impression of winter.
- Mindful exercises to override symptoms.
- Some example CBT restructuring… with real life examples from yours truly ;)!
- Practical tools you can start using today to make winter fun and enjoyable.