Doctor said I had SAD this morning

Hello

I'm a little new to this - have been browsing the internet all afternoon (so far, I admit there's not been very much afternoon so far).

I went to the doctor this morning for what was turning out to be yet another annual visit for general problems. I was expecting to be asked to do yet another diabetes test (which has happened this time, every year, for the last, umm, 6 or 7 years?), but having said that this happened a lot, and that it's always this time of year, we talked about it and she came to the conclusion that I had SAD.

Having read about it now, it makes sense, the pattern certainly makes a lot of sense and I'm really pleased to have found a reason for feeling like this (which is rubbish!)

So, the treatments were either anti-depressants (umm, no thank you - been there, done that, never again thanks), or this light box thing. So, set out to find a light box....

....my god are there a lot out there. Where do you even begin?! It's a lot of money to spend on something where it's possible to get the wrong version.

I've come across this one "Apollo Health goLITE M2 SAD Light", but there seems to be some controversy about it, so I just wanted to ask advice. I like that it's small and portable, so I could use it at my desk at work, and at home.

Is there an opinion on which is the best one, which makes you feel best?

This seems like quite an active forum, just wanted to say hi and see if anyone could help me. It's all a little new!

I have one of these and I like it very much. It's very handy as you say. My first one was a Lumie brightspark and although this was OK, it was rather cumbersome in use. Bulbs need replacing from time to time, whereas the LEDs shouldn't wear out.

Some retailers will hire you a light to see if it's effective for you. If you get one and decide it isn't then I don't suppose you would lose much if you ebay it.

Hi. In reply to ellie's post, just wanted to add that although St John's Wort is always suggested for SAD, if you've had a bad experience with antidepressants (I have had a disastrous experience with them too) - then St John's Wort will be just as bad. SAD Association UK does not endorse it at all. I don't because of the side effects I had as a result - it pushed me into a hypomanic stage where I was an insomniac and hyper and angry and I think it's had long term effects to my brain. You don't even know what's the correct dosage and when to stop and when to taper off.

I've also been unable to choose a lightbox, how will you know it works for you? They are so expensive. if you go to the following website www.depressionforums.org, if you make a search for SAD and lightboxes,you'll connect with people who are using light boxes will be able to help you too - from their own experience. But we know that each case is different.

Not sure which one you've got. I've got the Lumie Zip. The technique I've been given is to ensure the light shines towards your face but you mustn't look right at it. At the side or in the background is best - the instructions should give you the optimal distance away or the website will. Is there a picture on the box of someone using it - this can give you a tip? Enjoy it - let us know how you are getting on.