Dr. Norman Rosenthal on Defeating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) with Bright Light Therapy and Other Holistic Tools

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with Researcher and Psychiatrist Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the author of “Defeating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder): A Guide to Health and Happiness through All Seasons” and the very person who put SAD on the map. At the time, Dr. Rosenthal experienced pushback from colleagues but once it made it to Jeopardy, people became more aware of this disorder. We talk about the importance of light for our biological and psychological functioning and how BLT (Bright Light Therapy) can in some cases have similar effects as antidepressants but without side effects. As Norman points out, it is best to combine different approaches, methods, and treatments to attain and achieve more wide-ranging and lasting benefits. Moreover, we discuss the holistic view that would include foundational habits that we implement and integrate into our daily life by also adding and exploring Intermittent Fasting, mindfulness as well as meditation techniques, such as TM. In fact, Dr. Rosenthal has been practicing transcendental meditation for almost two decades and has written books on its transformative and healing effects. Finally, we delve into the odd but surprisingly therapeutic practice of “bain de surprise” during 19th century France in which people would be unwittingly dunked into ice-cold baths. Though generally not recommended nowadays, a cool shower or cold bath during summer can often bring relief, and as Dr. Rosenthal explains, this can be one of many tools and tricks for one's personal toolbox to treat and work with Seasonal Affective Disorder.