NHS Help (4 Oc t01) 8messages

Topic: NHS Help
posted by susan on 2001-10-04 10:18:20




Does anyone know whether it is possible to get financial help from the NHS towards the cost of a light box? I am normally a very bubbly & outgoing person but it is the onset of the darker evenings which always triggers the start of my sad. I have been on Prozac for the last few winters which initially help, but there are always side effects and this year I am determined to try and find another way.

By the way, I too, found that symptoms began mid Sept. This was predicted because of the lack of prolonged sunshine during our short summer.


Rob Alexander

Topic: Re: NHS Help
posted by Rob Alexander on 2001-11-06 06:34:00



(WinNT; I ;Nav)]



Susan

I write in connection with your message 4/10/2001. I am sorry that I can not give you an answer on this as yet. I am also a SAD sufferer, recently diagnosed, I have had this problem since 1991. At firs, I put it down to the death of my father in November of that year. However, the problem has persisted. I have only recently discussed this with my Doctor and the Occupational Nurse at my work and both are in agreement that SAD could be the problem.

I have been on anti-depressants, Seroxat, periodically over the last 6 years.

If you do hear anything with respect to NHS contributions, I would be pleased if you could let me know. Similarly if I hear anything I will let you know.

I hope you keep well over the winter months.

Rob
rob.alexander@esw.co.uk



Diane

Topic: Re: NHS Help
posted by Diane on 2001-11-08 16:42:16









HI my name is Diane and I too suffer with SAD and would like to know if there is financial help from the NHS for light boxes, if anyone finds out about this I would also like to hear about it. I am currently looking into this matter.
Take care, I hope that you have a good winter! Regards
Diane
P.S. When I discussed it with my GP her answer was to prescribe prozac and alittle sympathy and nothing else!!!!


Sharon

Topic: Re: NHS Help
posted by Sharon on 2001-11-09 14:59:01







NHS help? Some doctors don't (yet) even recognise the condition. However you can get lightboxes VAT free - which has got to be something. Though a fellow sufferer tells me that replacement tubes are VAT rated!!

Ecozone - email ecozone.co.uk - also do full spectrum lightbulbs which they say are as effective as lightboxes. Being Ecozone they're probably Greener too.

Which may or may not be of help to you. Sharon


Sharon

Topic: Re: NHS Help
posted by Sharon on 2001-11-09 15:00:18







NHS help? Some doctors don't (yet) even recognise the condition. However you can get lightboxes VAT free - which has got to be something. Though a fellow sufferer tells me that replacement tubes are VAT rated!!

Ecozone - email ecozone.co.uk - also do full spectrum lightbulbs which they say are as effective as lightboxes. Being Ecozone they're probably Greener too.

Which may or may not be of help to you. Sharon


Sharon

Topic: Re: NHS Help
posted by Sharon on 2001-11-10 15:05:53







Right, have checked out the site. If the bulbs are anything like as good as Ecozone claim they are pretty good. They say 2 x 100watt equivalent bulbs can give the same effect as a lightbox. As the bulbs are L24.95 each... We could make our own 'lightboxes' for under L60! Always assuming we're sufficiently up & running by this time of year. A thought for next summer perhaps.

BTW the full url is http://www.ecozone.co.uk/acatalog/ ecozone_Health_Accessories_17.html

Is this any use to any of you out there in SAD land? Sharon



Lesley

Topic: Re: NHS Help
posted by Lesley on 2001-11-12 17:21:39








As far as I am aware there is no financial help available on the NHS, (excluding VAT free!). However a psychiatrist in the local NHS Trust I work for loan out lightboxes from Sept-April for the first year to see if light therapy is effective, maybe other NHS Trusts do the same?.
Prior to (self)diagnosis I was severely ill one winter....insurance on a loan would not pay out as according to them I had a psycho-neurotic disorder....yet another financial implication of SAD??.


Andrew
Hamilton

Topic: Re: NHS Help
posted by Andrew Hamilton on 2001-12-18 09:38:41






I am a G.P. working in the Shetland Islands. At this time of year, this far north, it doesn't get light until 9 a.m., and it's dark again by 3.30 p.m. We have a very high incidence of SAD up here, as you might expect, and it's well recognised.
A few years ago the director of Public Health provided some funding to buy light boxes for patients who suffer from clearly defined SAD, and this has been of enormous benefit to some of our patients.
I see no reason why other NHS trusts should not be encouraged to do likewise. The cost of a Light box is about the same as 8 months supply of Prozac.
The alternative is to buy your own, or buy the bulbs and make one for yourself.