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A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Brunswick, NJ

I have SAD, and I am wondering how you cope with it other than expensive Sun lamps that are supposed to help.

January 21
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Answer Summary

Members openly shared their experiences with Seasonal Affective Disorder, with many confirming they struggle with it, especially during cold,... Read more

Members openly shared their experiences with Seasonal Affective Disorder, with many confirming they struggle with it, especially during cold, dark winter months. Several members strongly recommended light boxes as an effective treatment, with one member sharing how their psychiatrist equates daily light therapy to taking medicine and noting that an hour of daily use transformed their severe Christmas depression after 20 years of consistent results. A recurring theme was finding additional coping strategies beyond light therapy, including regular outdoor walks, exercise, creative outlets like music and art, and maintaining connections with loved ones.

A MyDepressionTeam Member

Cooking (to beat and twist bread dough), gardening (to look at symmetry, weed and help things grow...if nothing else, watering for zen. I also write fiction, create art and go visit my grandson. Its not that I have SAD because I don't. I wrestle with bipolar that has some of the same symptoms.

January 30
A MyDepressionTeam Member

@A MyDepressionTeam Member Having SAD is difficult however I will tell you that the light box works. I got mine about 20 years ago and my insurance covered it. I've been looking on-line for them and I saw one for $150. But I know that wasn't your question. Ask your psychiatrist about what else besides lights works! I use the box all year round for depression. It is only when I get manic that I stop the lightbox. I hope this is helpful. My SAD/depression got really bad around Christmas and the only thing that helped is the box. Best of luck to you.

January 22
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I don't know much about this disorder. I know the Icelandic and Nordic folk have to cope with months of darkened skies and disrupted sleep. They might have answer. I looked this one up and maybe it has some value for you. Serotonin seems to be the key. To keep sleep patterns normal, often they use black out curtains. My son as a medical resident had to do this. But here i the article I found.

https://www.stylist.co.uk/long-reads/seasonal-a...

The Scandinavian guide to surviving the dark days of winter
The Scandinavian guide to surviving the dark days of winter
January 21
A MyDepressionTeam Member

@A MyDepressionTeam Member I swear by mine. Honestly. Especially this particular SAD season. It's been rough. I got mine via insurance a long long time ago. (I would guess 20 years ago) I remember initially that it caused Headaches but I was told to limit the time using the lights in the beginning.. Now I'm using the lights for 1 hour a day. My psychiatrist told me if I don't use the lights it's like not taking medicine. I was very depressed right around Xmas and I called my doctor. That's when he said an hour a day no matter what! I so understand what you are saying about the extreme cold and snow. But my perspective changed with the lights. I consider them to be like medicine. If you have any questions let me know. Can you ask your psychiatrist what is his/her take on the lights? Best of luck to you.

January 27
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Yes, I have it. Especially with all of the cold and snow. Struggle to do anything. Does anyone who has the sunlamps or light boxes recommend them? Are they worth the cost or not? Thanks everyone. I appreciate you all.

January 26

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