Seasonal Affective Disorder Podcast Episodes

Seasonal Affective Disorder
These are the darkest days on our calendar. For many, the darkness that overshadows is not only physical. The wintertime blues touches the psyche. In this episode, Ted Witzig Jr. speaks to the issue of Seasonal Affective Disorder and points us to the solution – The Light.

Question: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Answer: It is a psychological condition whereby individuals experience symptoms of depression due to lack of sun light during the darker fall through spring seasons.

Question: How prevalent is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Answer: Nearly half of the population notices a negative effect due to decreased sunlight during the winter months.  A smaller percentage experience depression as a result.

Question: How can seasonal Affective Disorder be treated?

Answer: Increase light exposure

Question: Will any light source do?

Answer: No.  Type and intensity are the key.  Sunlight is the best source.  During the summer months, the sun exposes us with 100,000 lux of light.  The light we get from inside house bulbs give us merely 300 lux.

Question: What can be done in the winter months to increase lux?

Answer: Use natural light by getting up in the morning.  Opening the shades.  Getting outside.

Answer: Use artificial light by purchasing a light box that emits 10,000 lux of light.  Sit in front of the light box for 15-30 minutes in the morning.

Question:  What can be done to treat depression?

Answer: Anything that reverses the downward spiral that depression wants to take us.  For example, depression will want to keep us in isolation, therefore, getting out in social environments is healthy.  Depression wants darkness, therefore treatment is pulling the shades and exposing ourselves to light.  Depression wants us to live sedentary lives, therefore treatment is getting up and exercising.

Question: What does Seasonal Affective Disorder teach us about the gospel?

Answer: Christ announces himself as light.  He shines into our darkness.  Just as those with Seasonal Affective Disorder need a solution outside of themselves – light.  All of us need a solution for our souls that is outside our ourselves – Christ.

“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79

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For Further Information:

Seasonal Affective Disorder
Our life on earth is full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Sometimes, because of any number of factors, we may find ourselves struggling with depression. This article will help you understand what Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is and interventions to ward off the wintertime blues.

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