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Karen Swartz, M.D., offers some light-therapy options for those on a tight budget:
• A light on a timer.
If your experience with SAD includes difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, try putting a lamp in your bedroom on a timer. You probably won’t want this to be a bedside lamp, however, as the transition from dark to light is an abrupt one.
• Light bulbs.
Natural spectrum light bulbs are touted more of the spectrum of natural daylight. Art supply stories often carry them, as artists prefer full-spectrum light, but even some major manufacturers have jumped on this bandwagon. Consider trying them out in your reading lamps or at your desk. Another option: the “growth lights” sold for plants.
• A midday walk.
Even on cloudy and overcast days, the brief exposure to midday light gained during a walk outside is reported to help some people. This may be due more to exercise’s proven ability to help alleviate depression, but the light exposure may provide some added benefit.
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Therese J. Borchard writes the daily blog, Beyond Blue, on Beliefnet and is a regular contributor to the award-winning blog, World of Psychology, on Psych Central. Therese is the author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes and The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit. Subscribe to Beyond Blue, visit her website, or follow her on Twitter @thereseborchard.
Meet others on the journey in
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Therese J. Borchard writes the daily blog, Beyond Blue, on Beliefnet and is a regular contributor to the award-winning blog, World of Psychology, on Psych Central. Therese is the author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes and The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit. Subscribe to Beyond Blue, visit her website, or follow her on Twitter @thereseborchard.
posted November 2, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Thanks, Therese, I’ll definitely check the pricing on the art stores and growth lights. Post divorce, my nice home with tons of natural lighting is history. I live in a condo that doesn’t even have lights in the ceilings! As winter nears I’ve been in a soft panic about $$$ for light therapy.
posted November 2, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I suffer depression all year long. I can’t afford a Happy Light, but I bought the full spectrum lights at the BIG discount store. They are a few cents more, but they really do make a difference. Do not put any of them in the bedroom. LOL The brand I found first was Phillips, but now they are even making them in the flourescent type that Al Gore wants us to use for global warming. Plus, it actually does help with the electric bill. I was told to turn on all my lights in the house everyday. It really does work. Unfortunately, I will never be all better, but anything I can do to make things a little easier, is a plus for me.
Blessed be………..
Valerie
posted November 4, 2007 at 6:54 pm
My bouts with depression are largely situational, but I don’t have enough of a support system and tend to feel futile in solving a problem. I’ll procrastinate because I am not sure what the right thing is to do! I become fearful of making a decision. Too many choices, not enough input from reliable sources. C R
posted June 29, 2010 at 5:11 am
Thank you, for these tips about the light therapy that cure us from SAD,cancer and many other disease.
posted November 2, 2010 at 1:00 am
I’ve found that light therapy is awesome for curing my insomnia. I had insomnia for years and found this to be the best solution. I stuck the light on a timer and it works great. It’s the cheapest solution I’ve found. I’m able to manufacture it and make a small profit and sell them for $75 + shipping. Take a try. If it doesn’t work for you–send it back in 14 days and I’ll give you your money back. http://www.insomniacurelight.com