Does a light box make anxiety worse?

helloiamjim · Nov 12, 2020 at 12:05 AM

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.

BreakForTheLight · Nov 12, 2020 at 07:44 AM

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.

Mountaindewed · Nov 12, 2020 at 04:36 PM

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.

helloiamjim · Nov 12, 2020 at 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreakForTheLight

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.

I've only been using it for a few days now. I'm usually restless so I'll pay attention to that.

helloiamjim · Nov 12, 2020 at 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

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.

I'm sorry it didn't help you. I use my light box first thing in the morning if I can remember and around 11 or noon if I forget

.

Albertina Geller · Nov 24, 2020 at 05:34 AM

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.

*Beth* · Dec 03, 2020 at 04:58 PM

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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BreakForTheLight Grand Member Member Since Jan 2015 Location: Europe Posts: 852 9 211 hugs given	Nov 12, 2020 at 07:44 AM #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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Mountaindewed Legendary Wise Elder Member Since Jun 2016 Location: Where the sidewalk ends Posts: 36,129 (SuperPoster!) 7 8,747 hugs given	Nov 12, 2020 at 04:36 PM #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. __________________ Ridin' with Biden
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Albertina Geller Member Member Since Jun 2020 Location: United States Posts: 36 3	Nov 24, 2020 at 05:34 AM #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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