In this episode, I’m going to teach you how light impacts your brain and influences your mood and how you can use Light Therapy as a Natural, non-medicinal way to treat seasonal depression (aka winter blues or S.A.D). And, how rigorous research has shown that light therapy can be as effective as antidepressant medication at treating non-seasonal depression. Check out Bright Light Therapy Lamps at Carex:

There are many natural options to treat depression, and many doctors and aren’t aware of the benefits of light therapy or their first go-to treatment is trying an antidepressant medication. And antidepressants are a valid form of treatment, with lots of research behind them, but they do come with side effects. One of the best things about Light therapy is that it has very few side effects, and that’s it’s also an effective way to treat seasonal and non-seasonal depression. If you think this may be a good option for you, speak with your doctor.

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Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Music licensed from www.Bensound.com or Artlist.io Images from Freepik.com (premium license), Pixabay, or Wikimedia commons