Saturday, September 08, 2007
Although I am getting better, I am a bit apprehensive that winter is approaching and I get into my worse depressions in November through January. Last year, in December, I was hospitalized for 8 days. I heard there is a light you can get that helps ease the depression. Does anyone know about it? Any experiences you may have with it? If it exists, does it help? Can any light work if you stay in it long enough? I don't want to go there again and would do anything that could make it more tolerable.
Thanks,
--K
Light boxes that put out spetrum light equivalent to the sun are very costly. 300+ from what I've heard.
Some daily outside time even on the greyest winter cold day is cheap- extra coat layers from the thrift store - it's your eyes absorbing the light that help set the cycle. I'm no scientist but changing to the GE Real bulbs from walmart at about 3.00 may also help since they are full spectrum bulbs and still energy efficient yet do brighten to a different degree while reading or doing crafts.
Getting better and wanting to stay better are worthy goals.
May the light guide you - (gotta say that in the star wars voice teehehe)
Have a great day and sit by the windows and let the sunshine(even greyshine) in..hey isn't that like a 60's flashback song? If you start to notice the triggers you holler for help - here and lets put in some coping skills to keep you out of the hospital if at all possible - you have savings to work on and grandkids to see.
Don't let the fear control you. relapses can happen but with planning maybe you can make them fewer and less severe as you gain knowledge.
Thanks for the info. I think I need to do the low budget, spend time in the winter cool (I'm in CA) and valley fog. I guess those curly bulbs need to be replaced.
Maybe when I sell my house I will invest in a light as Margaret, below, mentioned.
No matter what, I'm getting better and I'm working on keeping the "but what if ...." out of my vocabulary. If/when I get through this winter with milder mood swings I will feel much more confident that I can have some control over my emotions.
--Kathy
What if's aren't so bad.. they can be the flags that help keep you on the wellness curve. being unrealistic about this illness is far worse than what if's.. I think you are wise to question and explore coping skills or tool
(light therapy). I believe it is good to ask the what if's and have options. It helps you plan while you are in a better place than when crisis is on the edge and it can be hard to make good decisions.
Nothing wrong with planning. I took out my culy bulbs too in a few lamps. I haven't done any research but I wonder what benefit someone might get from the green house lights that are used to grow off season plants inside or aquarium lights.
Anybody seen in data on other more affordable lights that offer benefits to SAD
illness. good luck and I hope it helps.
Charting your mood may also help head off a low swing. I think the DBSAlliance.org page has an online tool coming that may be another tool in your weapon belt to fight off the blues of winter.
One thing that is really cool and helps me smile is a suncatcher crystal from the craft section beaded and hung from the latch in my living room and kitchen windows. They are often found for less than 3 dollars and can be tied up with fishing line 1.99 or something similiar from the crafts section like nylon sewing thread 79 cents. The rainbow dancing on the wall can be a reminder of the steps you have made so far and the results of weathering the storm of depression. YOu are a survivor.. best of luck to ya.. holler if ya need