skip to main content

light box for SAD?

18 years ago

I am seriously considering purchasing one of these as I live in Wisconsin, and have hated winter for as long as I can remember. Wanting to hole up, like a bear in the winter, going to bed with the chickens, you name it.

I am hoping there is someone else on this forum, that perhaps has already purchased one of these, and genuinely feels better because of it, or can truthfully say it does no good at all.

What have you to say?

Would be much appreciated, as there are so many pros and cons about this depression and treating it with light as opposed to drugs, which I despise.

Be glad to hear from anyone who might have a comment.

Thanks you for your time.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

lynne_melb
18 years ago
I had a friend who felt much better with the use of a light box. She had no energy in the winter. As a matter of fact, she had to be careful not to use the light box for too long. Otherwise, she would have so much energy that she couldn't sleep.
Good luck.
Meghane
18 years ago
My sister and a friend use one and both have said that it helps them a lot. I am getting one soon because my SAD has been getting progressively worse as well. Last year, I took a Caribbean cruise and didn't need one; this winter I have no vacations planned:(

The only con is that if you are not truly SAD, then the light box won't help. I feel bad for you- I'm in NC and barely make through winter; I think I would have gone to bed with the chickens long ago in WI!
Related Discussions
boxed amaryllis---a sad story
Q
Comments (19)
Oh, dear! I have lots and lots of these bulbs. Most of them, most admittedly came from Walmart. A word of caution... A red color on the leaves or bulb does NOT necessarily mean Red Blotch. If they are bruised, cut, scaped or damaged in any way, they will get a red mark. That is their nature. Growing them outside, I am used to those marks. Now, if the red marks is accompanied by decay or rot of any kind, then you have a problem, and the problem can be treated. I have yet to find a definitive answer on what Red Blotch really looks like (ie., pics, please!) Be careful not to overtreat bulbs that are simply injured and not diseased. They are two different things. I feel fortunate that I have done as well as I have. Elvas caused me some rot problems. Nymph did the same. But they were both crushed by a 70+ year old pecan tree during Katrina. Both survived afer being cracked open and the cuts and bruises turning blood red, then they started to show signs of rot. I cleaned them up, let them dry out, then all was well. Not to say that they weren't set back some. They have been. Me, myself, and I... I don't give up that easily. The bulbs are still alive and producing pups. Good Luck!
...See More
OT- light therapy for our winter blues? SAD
Q
Comments (5)
Thank you for your response. I think I will get one. I've read lots of reviews on different sights and it seems to make sense...I'm outside from Spring until mid Fall and then POOF! nothing (dark!). I'm willing to try anything without drugs if it will help some. I asked a friend of mine if he'd ever heard of it and he said that his Mom's friend lives in a cabin by herself most of the year and a doctor prescreibed it for her and she seems to think it helps her. Worth a try. Nothing to lose!
...See More
Sad,,Sad,,Day!!!
Q
Comments (10)
So sorry this happened.... Sometimes blues will try again in a box where there was a failure - depends on their choices. PLEASE use sparrow spookers as soon as a bluebird egg is laid - they are EXTREMELY effective (nothing is HOSP proof). HOSP euthanasia options can be found here: http://www.sialis.org/hospdispatch.htm. It MUST be done in the most humane manner possible. Van Ert's website is here: http://www.vanerttraps.com/. if you call him he will ship out a trap right away Here is a link that might be useful: sparrow spooker
...See More
SAD, SAD NEWS FROM PETA
Q
Comments (4)
sephia Know this is old news but you can be sure NIH is still using animals for testing and find it inhumane in any day and age. If you no longer care to participate, perhaps someone else still worries as do I. Thanks for your comment.
...See More
darlene87
18 years ago
I have used a light box for SAD for over 10 yr. Also you can get full spectrum lights that are florscent screw in bulbs at some stores. We also have full spectrum florscent tube bulbs in the kitchen, and a few other spaces. I get ours at Home Depot, and they are reasonably priced. Also taking vit. d. in the form of cod liver oil helps in winter. I take 800 IU or units a day, I use the flavored liquid oil, and sometimes the capsules. There is a forum on one of the big email carrier sites (can't post the name, as this site does not permit it, but it starts with y. Lots of tips, helps, and ideas there. If you join a forum look for one with the most members, as there will be more activity.
Darlene
socks
18 years ago
My sister recently replaced some light bulbs in her apartment with some full-spectrum bulbs from Blue Max Lighting. She said it helps a lot.
Meghane
18 years ago
So my wonderful hubby got me a lightbox for Yule. I am doing much better this year, despite no cruise. I feel more energetic and I don't have such a short fuse. I still get up waaaayyyyy too early and it's waaaaayyyy too dark.

On a good note, today I noticed my daffodils are starting to come up, we got our first baby squirrel at the wildlife rehab center, and I heard spring peepers (frogs) tonight. Spring has sprung, and not a moment too soon.
sayde
18 years ago
Bright full spectrum lights do seem to help. If I'm working in my studio with these lights on I work well at night until quite late. But if I just sit in a chair with a book I'll fall asleep at 8PM --Even under full spectrum -- it takes a lot of them -- they have to be bright -- to energize you.

Related Stories

MODERN HOMES Houzz Tour: Complexity Hides Inside a Concrete Box

Don't be fooled by the monolithic exterior. This Canadian home is more open, light and multifaceted than it may seem

HOLIDAYS Simple Pleasures: Enjoy a Restful Boxing Day

By Laura Gaskill

Catch up with friends on December 26 without catching the stress bug by taking the easy route to entertaining at home

ARCHITECTURE In the Details: A Storage ‘Jewel Box’ Lights a Manhattan Loft

By Annie Thornton

Mirrored shelves bounce sunlight into an apartment’s formerly dark core, while a fireplace provides nighttime glow

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Urban Jewel Box

By Vanessa Brunner

San Francisco designer Anastasia Faiella warms up a loft with color, fabric and light

DECORATING GUIDES How to Save a Boring Box of a Room

By Samantha Schoech

Whip a ho-hum format and low ceilings into high-design shape with these ideas that offer a big new vision

CEILINGS Box Beam Ceilings

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

ORGANIZING Building Built-Ins: They're Really Just A Bunch of Boxes

By The Lettered Cottage

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Jewel-Box Powder Rooms

By Becky Harris

Throw out the design rule book when planning your own small W.C. and get the half bath you'll really love

WINE CELLARS Room of the Day: Chilled Wine Box Makes a Fun Feature Wall

By Becky Harris

A narrow compartment of slate, glass, steel and cork adds surprise and utility to an open-plan room

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Anything-but-Average Tissue Box Covers

Tissue boxes are nothing to sneeze at when flu season hits. These fun covers bring a smile and make a statement

Sponsored