Exploring Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Solutions, and Personal Stories

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, Elisa Marie and Joji welcome guest Sandra Marshall to discuss the pervasive issue of the winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Sandra shares her personal experiences with SAD, including her use of light therapy and relocating to sunnier climates. The discussion covers symptoms, potential treatments, and practical solutions such as light therapy, maintaining high vitamin D levels, and engaging in social and physical activities. The episode emphasizes the importance of seeking help and provides resources for those in need, aiming to destigmatize mental health conversations.

The Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms

00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:30 Discussing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

01:08 Personal Experiences with Winter Blues

04:56 Light Therapy and Other Treatments

12:45 The Importance of Vitamin D

18:21 Exercise and Social Interaction

22:20 Travel and Escaping the Winter Blues

27:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Reflecting on Three Years of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

Hosts Elissa Marie and Jojy celebrate nearly three years of The Deconstructed Woman podcast by reflecting on their journey, the topics they've covered, and the guests they've interviewed. They discuss the diverse issues they've explored, including women's health, mental health, aging, social media, AI, online dating, and intergenerational trauma. They also share their future plans, potential topics for 2026, and emphasize the importance of continuing to bring new voices and perspectives into their conversations. The episode serves as a retrospective and marks the anticipation of another year filled with insightful discussions.

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Conversations

01:24 Celebrating Milestones and Beginnings

02:22 Highlighting Guest Contributions

05:00 Diverse Topics and Deep Dives

08:05 Listener Engagement and Personal Stories

11:50 Looking Ahead to 2026

17:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Reflecting on Personal Loss and Self-Care: A Journey of Pause and ChangeIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosted by Elisa Marie and Jojj, the conversation centers around reflecting on personal loss and its impact on one's perception of life and self-care. Joji shares her recent experience of losing a young family member and how it prompted her to contemplate life’s unpredictability and the importance of living mindfully. She discusses her decision to embrace her age by stopping hair coloring, symbolizing a new phase in her life. Elisa Marie relates by sharing her own experiences with loss, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing self-care amidst busy schedules. Both hosts explore the emotional and physical challenges they faced over the past year and highlight the importance of pausing to take stock of where they are and where they want to go in life. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own needs, whether physical or emotional, and to take steps towards caring for themselves.00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast00:30 Reflecting on Personal Loss and Change01:58 Joji's Personal Experience with Loss04:46 Embracing Aging and Symbolic Changes07:36 Balancing Self-Care and Family Responsibilities10:50 The Importance of Physical and Mental Health13:46 Year-End Reflections and Emotional Exhaustion28:17 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement