Millions experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) annually, and a recent podcast episode featuring Dr. Raymond Lam, a psychiatrist and depression researcher at the University of British Columbia, explored the causes, risks, and potential mitigation strategies for the condition. The discussion, hosted by Garvia on the “Happy Enough” podcast, focused on the interplay between daylight, weather patterns, and human mood.
Dr. Lam currently serves as the BC Leadership Chair in Depression Research at UBC and is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry. His research encompasses clinical and neurobiological factors related to seasonal, treatment-resistant, and workplace depression, as well as the impact of light therapy and digital health technologies. He is likewise the director of the Mood Disorders Centre at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, according to the VCH Research Institute.
The podcast addressed the heightened prevalence of SAD in Canada, with Dr. Lam explaining the influence of limited daylight hours during winter months. He detailed how insufficient sunlight can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, potentially leading to depressive symptoms. The conversation also touched upon practical strategies for managing SAD, aiming to help individuals navigate the winter season while preserving their well-being.
Dr. Lam’s operate extends beyond seasonal depression. He leads investigations into biomarkers for depression through the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND) and chairs the APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, hosted at UBC. He has authored over 650 scientific articles and book chapters, with his research cited over 40,000 times, and has been recognized as a Highly-Cited Researcher by Clarivate Web of Science.
Notably, Dr. Lam has publicly acknowledged discontinuing his activity on X (formerly Twitter) due to the platform’s policies under Elon Musk. His research is supported by agencies including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and he serves as an associate editor for the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.