Episode 167 - Seasonal Depression Is Not the Same as Winter Blues with LiftAffect CCO Bryan Bodrog
Click here to take the Pilot Check-In Survey ! Click here to become a subscriber to receive exclusive content ! Click here to sign up to receive LiftAffect's Weekly Gouge Newsletter ! Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course! Seasonal depression is not just “winter blues” and for pilots, shift workers, and anyone living where daylight disappears early, that distinction matters more than you think. LiftAffect Chief Clinical Officer Bryan Bodrog breaks down what seasonal affective disorder actually is, why it hits some people harder than others, and the simple steps that can help you get ahead of it before your mood, energy, and performance start sliding.Bryan shares the unusual path that shaped his perspective—from Marine Corps combat injuries and a Purple Heart to psychology, trauma work, and ultimately helping aviation professionals navigate mental health with a practical, insider-level approach. Along the way, he explains how his own experience with recovery and resilience led him to focus on helping others find the same support that changed his life.You’ll discover: Why SAD is more than feeling “a little off” when the days get shorter How circadian rhythm, melatonin, and reduced sunlight can affect your body and brain The difference between winter blues and a true seasonal mood disorder Why a 10,000 lux light box, morning exposure, and consistent exercise can make a real difference How vitamin D, vitamin K2, and infrared sauna use fit into a prevention routine Why pilot schedules and FAA realities can complicate mental health even more Karl Keller pushes the conversation into the aviation-specific challenges that make this topic especially relevant for pilots, crews, and anyone working around irregular schedules. Bryan explains why the FAA, sleep disruption, and seasonal darkness can create a perfect storm, and why being proactive with bloodwork, routines, and environmental changes is often better than waiting until you’re already struggling.This episode is a smart, practical reset for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the seasonal slump instead of reacting to it after the fact. Essential listening if you want to protect your mood, your performance, and the people around you when the darker months hit. Bryan Bodrog is the Chief Clinical Officer at LiftAffect, where he combines clinical expertise with lived experience in combat trauma and recovery. He specializes in helping aviation professionals understand mental health through a realistic, actionable lens. For more information, please visit the following websites: - LiftAffect Website - The V1 Project Website