Lois Cho on Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder: A CEO’s Journey to Mental Health
Lois Cho is the CEO and co-founder of CHO Wines in Oregon. She discusses her experience with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to changes in daylight and weather. Before starting her winery, she worked as a nurse practitioner. In 2017 and 2018, she recognized that she felt heavy and unmotivated during the fall months, especially after harvest.
Cho learned to accept that SAD is part of her life. She speaks out to help reduce the stigma around mental health and to let others know they are not alone. She describes the heaviness in her chest, the struggle to get out of bed, and dark thoughts she had about her existence, especially as a working mom.
She found support through her partner, friends, and colleagues. Opening up made her realize others also faced similar challenges. Cho tried various treatments, including a “happy light,” Vitamin D3, exercise, counseling, and eventually antidepressants.
In 2020, Cho moved to Southern California hoping to escape her sadness. However, the pandemic hit immediately, leading to isolation instead of the sunny support she expected. This experience taught her that fighting SAD directly often does not work.
The move back to Oregon happened when Cho and her husband found a property in the Chehalem Mountains. They discussed the possibilities, and with her improved mental state, she felt ready to embrace the challenges of winter and business.
After returning to Oregon, the last two winters went well for her. She was busy during harvest and found community support in the wine industry, easing the loneliness of winter. She values the time to reflect on family and work goals during the seasonal changes.
What are some effective coping strategies for managing Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Interview with Lois Cho: A Deep Dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder and Its Impact on Life and Business
By [Your Name]
News Editor, newsdirectory3.com
In an enlightening conversation, Lois Cho, the CEO and co-founder of CHO Wines in Oregon, bravely shares her journey with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As a successful entrepreneur and former nurse practitioner, her insights offer a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health and business. Here’s our interview.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us, Lois. To start, can you tell us about your experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder and how it became part of your life?
Lois Cho: Thank you for having me. My experience with SAD began to surface around 2017 and 2018, during the fall months, just after the grape harvest. I noticed a heavy feeling, like the weight of the world was pressing down on me. I struggled to get out of bed and felt unmotivated. It was a challenge, especially being a working mom with a business to run.
NewsDirectory3: Can you explain what SAD feels like for you and how it manifests in your day-to-day life?
Lois Cho: Each autumn, it feels like a cloud settles over my mind. I often describe it as a heaviness in my chest. There are dark thoughts about my existence that creep in, making daily tasks seem daunting. I want to emphasize that it’s not just feeling ‘down’—it’s a profound sense of low energy and lack of motivation that seeps into every aspect of life.
NewsDirectory3: How did your background as a nurse practitioner influence your understanding of mental health and your own experience with SAD?
Lois Cho: Working as a nurse practitioner taught me a lot about the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. I’ve seen how mental health issues can affect physical health. When I began to experience SAD, it was vital for me to recognize it not just as a personal struggle but as an important health issue—one that deserved attention and compassion.
NewsDirectory3: You mentioned finding support through your partner, friends, and colleagues. How important is a support system in coping with SAD?
Lois Cho: It’s invaluable. Opening up about my experiences allowed me to connect with others who were facing similar struggles. I realized that I wasn’t alone; many people around me were quietly dealing with their own challenges. That sense of community and shared understanding provided me with strength and helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
NewsDirectory3: What message do you want to convey to others who might be experiencing similar feelings during the fall months?
Lois Cho: My main message is that it’s okay to acknowledge what you’re feeling. SAD is a legitimate condition, and you’re not alone in this. Seeking help, whether it’s talking to friends, family, or mental health professionals, is crucial. Engaging in conversations about mental health can help lift the veil of stigma, allowing others to feel empowered to share their struggles.
NewsDirectory3: As a business owner, how do you manage the demands of running a winery while coping with SAD?
Lois Cho: It has certainly been a balancing act. I prioritize self-care and have learned to set boundaries. There are days when I have to remind myself that it’s okay to take a step back if I’m feeling particularly low. The support from my team plays a significant role, as they understand my challenges and share the workload when I need it.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for sharing your insights, Lois. Your openness about such a personal experience will undoubtedly inspire many. What’s next for you and CHO Wines?
Lois Cho: We’re excited to continue expanding our wine offerings while also focusing on wellness initiatives within our team. I believe that as we create a supportive work environment, we can enjoy both our personal and professional lives more fully. My hope is to foster a space where mental health conversation is welcomed, not shunned.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for your time and for shedding light on this important issue, Lois. Your courage is commendable, and we look forward to following your journey with CHO Wines.
Lois Cho: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to share my story.
For those seeking help with Seasonal Affective Disorder or other mental health issues, please consult a healthcare professional.
Although Cho feels anxious about future winters, she recognizes that her feelings are part of life’s ebb and flow. She appreciates her partner’s constant support, saying he fights for her even when she feels unable to.
Cho emphasizes that seasons change, bringing both rain and sunshine. She compares depression to cloudy weather — it may feel gloomy, but it can clear up. She advocates for love and support as tools against fear, as being surrounded by caring individuals fosters self-love.
Regarding her children, Cho normalizes discussions about mental health. She encourages her kids to express sadness and seek help. She acknowledges the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in Asian American cultures, and aims to break that silence.
Cho believes depression feels isolating. The key to overcoming it is to talk openly. If you or someone you know struggles with mental health, resources are available. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 for support.