As we approach summer here in Southern California, we are aware that many of our friends and colleagues in the Southern Hemisphere are heading into their winter season. This article is a timely reminder that the things we can change such as our thoughts and our behavior, are so powerful that they can actually override the things we cannot change, such as how much sunlight we have each day. 

While light therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) it only helps about half of the people in subsequent winters. What can give long lasting relief? Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored for seasonal affective disorder. Why? Simply put, light therapy works only as long as you are using it. But CBT teaches skills that are useful forever.

READ Washington Post: This winter depression treatment lasts longer than sitting under a bright light.

READ The Atlantic: Therapy Over Lamps for Seasonal Depression: Cognitive behavioral therapy gives longer-term benefits and is less of a time burden than sitting under a light for 30 minutes a day

READ Medical News Today: Beating the winter blues with cognitive behavioral therapy.

READ the Research Article: If you are interested, here is the American Journal of Psychiatry article that discusses these very important research findings

Photo credits: winter.depression by Gerald Gabernlg is licensed under CC BY 2.0