Turning On The Light
 

I was wondering if any of you had used light therapy to combat SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I had actually heard of this condition, but thought it was just a condition that affected your moods in the dark winter months. And since I'm a moody little twit year round I didn't really give it a second thought. But I was reading an article today about it and now I'm thinking that it might be beneficial to get a light box. I currently leave the house between 6-6:30 (it's dark), I work in an inside office (no windows), I no longer smoke (yeah!) so there is no reason for me to go outside in the cold and I usually work a little late (not too late 'cause I really like to get in at least 15 minutes of day light so that I can read for a few minutes while I'm driving home). Bottom line: the majority of my life is spent in artificial light at this time of the year. According to the article the light box will not only help seasonal depression, it will help nonseasonal depression, PMS, obesity (it said that light therapy activates brain signals which helped some people avoid cravings) and insomnia.

If anyone has tried a light box, I love to get your thoughts on whether or not you found they helped.

I have a light lamp.....it has help somewhat.........sitting outside does more...even if it gray!

My dad calls this "living the life of a mole..."

ACK! Reading and driving? At dusk? Be careful, Mel!

I don't know much about SAD, but I worked with a girl who swore by her lightbox.

I know its not good for you but I go to the tanning bed when I start to feel all depressed.. We had a lot of gray days here last week and it seemed to help.. That or shopping I love buying new clothes now.. I just don't have the money to support the shopping habit..( Tanning bed is free since in-laws owns one)

I've heard that light boxes are helpful, but have no experience. Living in the often grey Pacific Northwest, I take the opportunity to get out in the sun whenever I can (and even though you no longer smoke, have you ever considered walking around the block during your breaks just for extra exercise and to get natural light?). I also take 800 IU of vitamin D per day, which is supposed to help. I've considered replacing some light bulbs with the broad spectrum lighting, but haven't looked into the cost.