[Kymaro]

I probably already know my answer, but I just want others opinions. My Doctor decided to try light therapy, I have a yearly history of being admitted in Feb/march time for major depression. I have a manic swing when using antidepressant medications, even at low doses I start manic episode and by the time I taper off them, it's to late - damage done. Our thinking is using the light box at a low duration, 13 min daily (Standard dose is around 30 minuets). Our thought is if I started manic episodes we can wean me off the light box faster than we can medications. I tapped up at 2 min a day, with twice a week appointment with my doctor. He decided I needed to stay at 13 min. I was using a borrowed light box until I could find if my insurance would pay to have my own box. Both my insurance denied coverage. I got frustrated and decided I wasn't going to continue borrowing a box (an other patient might need it and It was to expensive to buy) So I stopped, really didn't feel all that different anyway. Well to my surprise 2 days after stopping I crashed, sever depression, suicidal thought and panicky with body restlessness that was keeping me from being able to sleep, I actually fell asleep at the wheel and took out a mail box (my bad) My husband demanded I just fork over then money and buy one ($189), start using the borrowed light box again till mine came in::: He actually threatened to admit me. I really didn't think I was all that bad, but I trust his judgement. I'm waiting for mine to arrive and I've started using the borrowed box again. Started this time at 5, 8, then 13. It's interesting how the depression seemed to just fade away. I am still having a hard time, but no way near what I was after stopping the light cold turkey.

Has anyone experienced using a light box with Bipolar? I thought maybe I had SAD, but my doctor says no because my "spring" down swing is to sever to be considered SAD. Any thoughts???????

[Wild Coyote]

Thanks for sharing your story.

My depression is severe. (BP-II).
I have been using a light box for two weeks. I feel I need the extra on these very dark days. Time will tell if it's helpful for me.


WC

[emgreen]

I live in the third cloudiest US city during winter months, so in addition to the decreased daylight hours, the clouds obscure the sun. I use a light box, but it's had to tell if it does any good at all. I still get depressed in the winter/early-spring. I sometimes wonder how much of light boxes' effectiveness is due to the power of suggestion. Despite my doubts, I still use my light box. I've never had an episode of mania while using it.

I wish you continued good luck with your light box. If it works, or there's even a shred of a doubt, keep it. It can't hurt.

[BipolaRNurse]

I bought one in October and have been using it daily, except for my recent trip to Central America where it was sunny and warm every day. I think it does me at least some good, because normally I get depressed in the late fall/early winter and I have not had that happen this year. I'm bummed about Christmas because it's my first one without my husband, but that's not depression. I also haven't experienced mania due to the light, so I think I'm safe to continue using it for the full 30 minutes each morning. Your mileage may vary.

[emgreen]

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

I'm bummed about Christmas because it's my first one without my husband, but that's not depression.

I'm sorry about your situational stuff. That CAN be classified as depression. Take good care.

[Standup2me]

I've been using one for years, and it helps
Where I live, we are getting about 5 hours of daylight right now and that will only grow shorter.

For me, it works

[Kymaro]

Thank you everyone, seems like the light box is a positive addition. At least it doesn't seem to be causing too many problems. Maybe the light has a placebo effect, I don't know. It surely sounds like it's worth every penny.

I use "lightbook" and it works.

It may be too late to start this therapy however. It is usual that one starts using the light before the days significantly shorten. I start using mine in early October and right through until end of March.

15 minutes is about average. For those unaware, you don't look into the light. Rather, you offset the lamp. You place it beside you and continue with your usual activities like using your computer/tablet, or reading, etc.

I have had great success using my light therapy lamp with regards to the seasonal depression I used to suffer from. I also use it when I wish to be soothed.

The lamp need not be large. My litebook is small enough to carry in my purse.