Heads up

[uni]

Just a heads up for anyone considering SAD light therapy for the coming shorter days. I usually start using my light in mid-October and run until at least March. If you're thinking of buying one this is a good time to investigate what's available. They certainly aren't all created equal, so a bit of research pays off.

[Paul57]

I’ll try that…really wanted to say hi

[uni]

Hello Paul57, it's great to hear from you!

[uni]

Just an update: I've started using the SAD light a few days ago, and plan to keep on

[Dancer247368]

Hi uni, that is a great idea! I normally do not get super affected by seasonal depression (for some reason I am flipped, as I tend to get manic in the winter & depressed in the summer haha!). However, now that it has been getting completely pitch black outside at 5pm where I live, I definitely think I should consider getting some kind of indoor light to curb potential seasonal depression. Any recommendations on where I can start my research on them would be helpful!

[uni]

Hello Dancer.

I think you may be using a different name than before? If so, and I'm right in thinking you mentioned having bipolar disorder in another thread, then I have to say tread very carefully when it comes to SAD lights. They've been known to trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, and aren't usually recommended. They also aren't good for people with certain eye diseases.

Having said that, it's worth it for anyone to do a bit of homework just to understand SAD lights a bit, and the effects of light in general on mood. I've found some pretty solid information on them at https://cet.org, which is short for Center for Environmental Therapeutics. That's a good place to start investigating.

Personally, I get depression any old time of year; there seems to be no rhyme or reason. So I've tried all sorts of methods to try and keep myself relatively stable. I've found that just the routine itself of sitting with the light is a help in starting my day, especially in the winter. The first light I ever tried was way too bright, even on its lowest setting, and made me nauseous right off the bat. So I toned things way down and now use a less intense one for a shorter time, which seems to agree with me.

SAD lights are a very individual thing, not unlike medication. I've found what works for me, by trial and error. However, for anyone with bipolar disorder I strongly suggest consulting a psychiatrist familiar with therapeutic use of light.

P.S. -- I found more information on these sites:

Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light box - Mayo Clinic

FAQ | UBC Mood Disorders Centre SAD Information

[Mocha231]

Hi uni,

Thank you so much for sharing so much valuable information with dancer about these lights. I don’t have much experience with these lights, so I’m so glad that someone with experience can share how they worked for them.

Mocha231