Light Therapy for depression

[jen48446]

I recently decided to see a Psychologist to determine what all I have been dealing with & how to use Light Therapy for treating depression. Another thing I knew is that I couldn't cope with feeling so tired all day no matter what the weather was doing, the best way to describe it is feeling "dog tired" ALL day, having no energy to do anything, couldn't read to get the stress relief I needed either, I'd read a paragraph or 2 & was ready to take a nap no matter what time of the day it was.

The lady I'm seeing agreed not to put me on an antidepressant or anti anxiety medication since I've tried several of both types of medications & nothing's worked for me. I inquired on Light Therapy & wondered if it might help me. She has "unofficially" diagnosed me with mild anxiety, depression & SAD (seasonal affective disorder), she "unofficially" diagnosed me this way because I don't have a full extent of any of the 3 conditions. She recommended a OTT Light. I searched locally & couldn't find the type for reading/watching tv so I ordered it online. I got the True Vision one. I noticed an immediate difference!!!

I've been using for just over a week & haven't felt "dog tired" all day since I started using it. I've had energy to do a lot of reading (YEA!!) & housework, etc.

I wanted to share this hoping to help others however I would like to caution everyone, please don't try this on your own, a couple of years ago I thought I could use vitamins & supplements on my own & it didn't work out, I learned a valuable lesson, seek a professional (doctor, someone certified) that has experience & knowledge in that area, listen to what they have to say & then make the best decision for your circumstances. Get more than one opinion if you're not comfortable with how consultations go :smile tee

:angel::cat:

[ICNDonna]

My husband laughs at me and calls our home the "Hotel" because all winter long I have bright lights on wherever I go in our house. Oregon's cloudy, dark winters do cause me to feel depressed and bright lights do help me feel better.

Donna

[jen48446]

I wanted to post a "progress report" so to speak:smile tee Things are getting better gradually. I'm able to read more & have more energy as the days go on.

I see the counselor once a week to help with other issues I'm working with her on & she's said that I've made a lot of progress already, YEA!

:angel::smile tee:cat:

[dminton]

I love my full spectrum lights. I live in the Pacific Northwest. I swear by them. I use a light box that sits on a desk and has the strongest lux available that I know of, so I only need 20-40 mins. of it. I only use it on overcast or rainy days.

[jen48446]

I asked my counselor this week if the SAD might be a side effect of the Hydrothermal Ablation I had done 8/05 & she said it wasn't likely. She said as we age our bodies react differently to things but she feels it's because of the very hard winter we've had, she said their new patients have increased since Dec., most with depression issues. She said we haven't had a winter this hard in a very long time. The OTT Light, calcium, vitamin D & magnesium are helping & I'm feeling better as the days go on. My energy & motivation has picked up as well as my memory is improving:smile tee I've got the biggest "itch" to get outside but it's melting the *now, gotta wait a bit longer to do that. :angel::cat:

[jen48446]

I did find out what the difference between the OTT Light & blue wave light are, the blue wave light is also used by dermatologists for acne. :angel::cat::smile tee

[BrittanysDance]

thats terrific that you've found something that works! :)

For those that have Lupus or are on any type of HRT (especially premarin - or really any medication, please read the bottles) make sure you can be in any type of light - artificial or natural as it may cause problems and outbreaks. I know Premarin states on my bottle that it has a photosensitivity issue.

A friendly reminder for those with with sensitivities (such as myself, I have both issues to contend with)

Congrats on the therapy!

Brittany