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Member Since Oct 2020
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 52
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#1
I start using a light box when the fall comes to ward off depression. Now I'm having a ton of anxiety and wonder if the light will make the anxiety worse.
I only sit in front of the light for 15 mins or so but don't want to take any chances experimenting and then having another panic attack. Mayo Clinic recommends light therapy for several disorders but not anxiety. |
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*Beth*, Sunflower123
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*Beth*, Sunflower123
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Grand Member
Member Since Jan 2015
Location: Europe
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#2
I don't think so. Light therapy might cause a slight feeling of restlessness, but shouldn't increase anxiety.
Any side effects will also appear at the beginning of the treatment and usually disappear once your body gets used to it. So if you've been using it for a while already, you should be fine. |
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*Beth*
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Member Since Jun 2016
Location: Where the sidewalk ends
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#3
Mine made it really hard for me to sleep but I was using it at the wrong time. It didn’t really do anything for me.
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Member
Member Since Oct 2020
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 52
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#4
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Member
Member Since Oct 2020
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 52
3 23 hugs
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#5
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Member
Member Since Jun 2020
Location: United States
Posts: 36
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#6
Try reducing the time of exposure for example if you are using it for 20 minutes and reduce it to 10 minutes and see if it makes any changes to your anxiety and also try to increase the distance between your eyes and light.
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*Beth*
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catches the flowers
Member Since Jul 2019
Location: Downtown Vibes, California
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#7
My pdoc is a great believer in using light boxes for SAD. I tried it last year and I'm trying it this year. I, too, am concerned about it causing anxiety. In fact, I'm so concerned about it that I think my anxiety about anxiety prevents the light box from helping me. Either that, or it doesn't do much (if anything). I don't know...I wish I felt more optimistic about the light box.
I do have suggestions, although Albertina already posted them. Less time near the light and/or more distance between your eyes and the light. __________________ |
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