Explaining bright light therapy for winter depression (CASC)

Station instructions (candidate)

You have 7 minutes. Explain that bright light therapy is an evidence-based treatment for winter-pattern major depression, give a concrete home protocol (about 10,000 lux, ~30 minutes after waking, UV-filtered box, eyes open toward the light), firmly discourage late-evening use, compare fairly with an SSRI using Can-SAD-level honesty, describe common side effects, and teach when to stop and call if mood becomes elevated. Do not guarantee cure. Do not minimise suicide safety planning if ideation has been present.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}