should i just try getting a lightbox

Hi Sarah, do you feel lethargic every winter? If it's a new thing maybe you should go to the GP just to check it out. I've had symptoms of SAD for years but like you I have never been diagnosed because I haven't been to my GP. Since I got my light box last winter I've felt so much better. It's not a total cure but makes it bearable. I don't think it would do any harm to try. You might find a dawn simulator helpful for getting up in the morning, I find it makes a huge difference on dark mornings.

30 mins a day is a good start and then slowly build up the time if you need to. I agree with Bagpuss, it might be a good idea to have a word with your doctor.


paul

Hi Sarah,
A doctor never diagnosed me with SAD. I basically self diagnosed myself early this year and I made the correct diagnosis because I purchased a lightbox and now I thank God for it.

It would not hurt for you to purchase a lightbox. You may need to experiment with the box when you first get it cause I tried using it every day first thing when I get up for a half an hour and a half an hour was not enough for me. I have to do it for several hours. Make sure you buy a lightbox that has 10,000 LUX. If it does not work for you, I am 100% positive that you can return it (most vendors state that they will accept returns within 30 days of purchase). And, honey, please do not be worried as being labeled as depressed - believe me, this should be the least of your worries. The main thing is for you to get happy. Who cares what anyone else thinks...it is you who is the important one. From my point of view, I do not think of SAD as a form of depression but rather a condition that occurs when there is an absence of sun" - at least, this is what it is for me because after all, the sun is and should be a very important part of everyone's lives. Everyone and everything needs the sun in order to live. Also, from what I have read, there is no concrete evidence that shows you should only do the lightbox in the AM. I start work at noon and that is when I start doing my lightbox.

Anyway, I hope this helps you.

Hi Sarah,a lightbox shouldnt do any harm, I suggested a visit to the doc, just to make sure there wasnt any other illness such as anemia or any other reason for feeling tired. I must admit, I feel lucky to have a very supportive doctor who seems to know quite a lot about sad and depression.



paul

If you think a light box might help, it would be good to get one sooner rather than later. Christmas is a long way off in those terms,

Good luck Sarah. My light box is a godsend, I couldn't do without it. It doesn't do any harm to try, although they are expensive, so you might want to consider using company that give you a trial to see if it helps. I noticed a difference the first day I used mine.