brightspark

Does light therapy work?

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Cocoloco
joined 30 Sep 2007
2 posts

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Posted by Cocoloco, 20:17 30 September 2007

Hi everybody,
I am a newcomer to this forum and I wanted to know if teh light therapy does really help. I think I suffer from SAD - winter blues symptoms!. For as long as I can remember living in UK, I have always gone through bouts of depression around October time. LAck of energy, low self esteem, lethargic and on occasions too much sleep - I have slept round the clock on occasions.
I had the chance of living in Spain for a 20 years and I do not remember having the symptoms there. I moved back to UK a few years back and it started. This year I have had it too early & a bit intense!
So, does light therapy really help? any other suggestions are welcome.
Cheers
paulst
joined 5 Oct 2005
809 posts

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Posted by paulst, 21:54 30 September 2007

HI and welcome,yes light therapy really does work, at least it does for me, I use a small portable lightbox on most mornings and sometimes in the afternoon, I find it gives me a little more energy and makes me feel a little happier.
Patricia
Patricia
joined 31 Oct 2006
68 posts

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Posted by Patricia, 22:01 30 September 2007

Hi Cocoloco, Welcome to the forum.
PurpleIvy
PurpleIvy
joined 16 Mar 2005
775 posts

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Posted by PurpleIvy, 22:24 30 September 2007

I use light therapy with success. Every morning with the light box and outside on a sunny day if possible
Hadrian
Hadrian
joined 11 Sep 2007
139 posts

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Posted by Hadrian, 22:52 30 September 2007

Yes,my light-box definately helps.
Suzie
Suzie
joined 26 Jan 2007
451 posts

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Posted by Suzie, 07:28 1 October 2007

Ditto to all the above. Lights work for me.

Paulst do you have the brite spark?
Piglet
Piglet
joined 12 Oct 2006
207 posts

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Posted by Piglet, 09:16 1 October 2007

It works for me, I'm still not the same person I am in summer during the winter but it makes life easier.

Give it a go!
PurpleIvy
PurpleIvy
joined 16 Mar 2005
775 posts

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Posted by PurpleIvy, 09:28 1 October 2007

I know that light is what I need, as I have had immediate and full remission as soon as I have had good quality, full on outdoors daylight.

2 years ago I had Christmas in the sun, I didn't take any time off work that winter, last winter after a week in South of France I was well enough to go back to work after 12 weeks off. Don't ANYBODY try and tell me that sight doesn't help, or that I don't have SAD!
paulst
joined 5 Oct 2005
809 posts

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Posted by paulst, 17:27 1 October 2007

HI suzie, yes ive got the brite spark,its good, but will save up for a larger lamp when I can


paul
Suzie
Suzie
joined 26 Jan 2007
451 posts

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Posted by Suzie, 17:56 1 October 2007

Yes me too, I think I could utilise a larger lamp now as I use it at home instead of work. Just wondering for how long and when you use yours. I am only using mine half hour at 7ish in morning but usually increase to about 1-2 hours during worst periods of winter, always am. Have never used it in the afternoon?
paulst
joined 5 Oct 2005
809 posts

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Posted by paulst, 18:08 1 October 2007

I only have time for about 20-30 mins in the morning, so use when I get home about 4pm, (I work in a high school) I use it again. I would like a larger lightbox to give a bigger boost in the morning.
Suzie
Suzie
joined 26 Jan 2007
451 posts

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Posted by Suzie, 18:38 1 October 2007

Do you find you have problems sleeping using it so late in teh afternoon?
paulst
joined 5 Oct 2005
809 posts

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Posted by paulst, 19:43 1 October 2007

Not really, I try and use it for about half an hour as soon as I get home. Not tried to use the lamp any later, just in case it keeps me awake.


paul
Suzie
Suzie
joined 26 Jan 2007
451 posts

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Posted by Suzie, 20:13 1 October 2007

Thanks for that Paul, I might try and get in some extra time when I come home from work at 2pm. I just hate having distrupted sleep and then having to try and get up in the morning.
PurpleIvy
PurpleIvy
joined 16 Mar 2005
775 posts

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Posted by PurpleIvy, 22:07 1 October 2007

ahem...... I don't think size matters.... it's the intensity.....

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