[gayleggg]

Has anyone tried light therapy? I was thinking about giving it a try to help stabilize my moods. My counselor and I have determined that I suffer from the depressed episodes more in the winter months. I just wanted to find out if it is worth the expense. If you used a light, what kind did you get? Would you buy the same one if you had it to do over.

My psychiatrist didn't really think it would help but my therapist thought that it might do me some good.

Best wishes, Gayle
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[Rohag]

Hello, Gayleggg!

Yes. I tried light therapy for several months using a "light box" many years ago. It did me no good. I have heard success stories, though.

In hindsight, this therapy might be more effective if your entire home and work area were fitted with genuine full-spectrum lighting. (Buyer beware.)

[lizardlady]

Gayle, I found a natural light floorlamp at Wal-Mart. I put it at the end of my sofa where I sit. I thought it was helpful. Might be a placebo effect, but I had a touch more energy and better mood during the shorter days.

[LindaLu]

Gayle, I have a blue light at home on dining room table and white box light at work desk. They are expensive but this year have been systematically using them at least 30-60 minutes before noon. This has helped mental concentration. However Mood is still a bit depressed.

Also my T recommended Blu Blocker sunglasses to wear indoors a couple hours before bed (especially for reading in bed any e-screens) and that's been very relaxing/helpful. Falling naturally into good sleep makes a difference. Tonight's late hour an exception, was up late doing something for someone.

[tryfunctional]

Hi. A few years ago my Dr. prescribed a light to help with SAD. I think the brand name is day-light but not sure. Anyway. it does seem to help and my insurance paid for it, much like they would crutches, canes etc. I have mine in the bathroom and keep it on when showering, getting dressed etc. Works GREAT when putting on makeup!! ;-) Give your Dr. a call and see if they will prescribe one for you. The worst that can happen is insurance will say NO. Give it a try. It can't hurt, right?? Take Care

[kindachaotic]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Gayle, I found a natural light floorlamp at Wal-Mart. I put it at the end of my sofa where I sit. I thought it was helpful. Might be a placebo effect, but I had a touch more energy and better mood during the shorter days.

Same type setup for hubby. He says it's very helpful.
Has MDD & is diabetic so will use 'most' tools suggested.

[Sometimes psychotic]

I did this last year...got a relatively Inexpensive portable LED box from sphere off amazon. Replacing the lights on other kinds can be costly so I went with LEDs so they don burn out. Did 30 minutes a day in the am....it definately took the edge off but didn't completely alleviate my depression. I would recommend it.

[kim_johnson]

I did a sun bed one winter (long story). About 6 of them, 1 per week. I felt GREAT. It really took the edge off the winter. Usually... It is like the cold seeps into my bones somehow... But dreaming I was lying on a tropical island... Took the edge off things considerably.

[Fresia]

My pdoc prescribed one for me and the insurance would not cover it; some do though, it is worth a try. I got one anyway, this was a few winters ago. The doc said two long term studies out of Scandinavia and the UK show using it in the morning, for 20-30 minute max is all you need. To place it 16-20 inches slightly angled in front of you but off to the side but still in front of you to use and not to look directly into it (per the eye doc) is best, such as when you have breakfast, read the paper, get ready in the morning (do your hair, put on makeup) etc. I set mine up next the computer/laptop as I always check messages in the morning.

It has helped a lot to ward off the effects of SAD. our winters are long, and the lack of light, this really seems to help to lift mood.

Funny story, someone I met told me the light was so bright that he wore his sunglasses when he used it. I mentioned this to the doc, he just shook his head, saying it completely defeats the purpose.