[justfloating]

Today, mostly to appease my dad who is so worried about me that he's losing a lot of sleep, I ordered a SAD light. I don't really think I have SAD -- my depression isn't a seasonal thing, it's year-round. But I was wondering if anyone has had positive results from the light therapy even if the depression isn't seasonal? Thanks.

[turquoisesea]

well I just got some light bulbs in... don't have SAD,
haven't had them long enough to tell but I do like them... they're a nice color :P and brighten up the place LOTS so just that is yay

[Skeetzz]

Light therapy for people with S.A.D. really does work! It might seem silly but it's very affective

-Rebecca

[silver_moon]

I keep meaning to get one... I've been wanting to for ages... just money that's a problem because I want one of the alarm clock ones.
Even if you don't have SAD it should help to some extent... (in fact I believe everyone has SAD to some extent, it's just how we cope with it) it basically tops up your vitamin D, which in turn effects your serotonin levels (excuse the spelling). So, yeh, it should help you.
Let us know how it goes?
Molly

[OliviaC]

I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) along with major depression. Every year starting around Sept. I begin to get more depressed.

This year my psychiatrist recommended the light box (you need to get a good one - 10,000 lux is usual. I sat under it for 30 minutes each morning and, yes it does work! It was a subtle but definite slow improvement of mood, and helped my insomnia also. You must use it daily and give it a chance to work.

The best thing is that mine was completely covered by my insurance (Blue Cross blue Shield HMO). I highly recommend them. Make sure you get one with 100% UVA blockage also, important.

[Tumnus]

Originally Posted by justfloating

Today, mostly to appease my dad who is so worried about me that he's losing a lot of sleep, I ordered a SAD light. I don't really think I have SAD -- my depression isn't a seasonal thing, it's year-round. But I was wondering if anyone has had positive results from the light therapy even if the depression isn't seasonal? Thanks.

Recently started using mine. I'm depressed year 'round but get worse in the winter. I think it's really helped my insomnia and I feel a lot happier in the mornings that are dark and rainy just to have such bright light in my face. It lets off a little bit of heat and that helps, too, even though it's not enough heat to actually warm me. It's more like having a tiny ray of sunshine poking through a rain cloud. Sometimes that's exactly what I need to get through the day. I highly recommend it, even if it only helps a tiny. I have a hard time getting any relief at all so I really mean it about being a little ray of light (no pun intended) in a very dark depression. Oh yeah, I have kind of a weird reaction that my Pdoc has never heard of. About an hour after using the light in the morning I have a very strong urge to take a nap. If I fight through it I'm fine after a while but it's a frustrating side effect for me.