11:24, does the Ott light have the same effect as a light box used to treat SAD?

6000 units of vitamin D, 3000 mg of niacin (B3) and turn on you tube, find a stretching exercise and go to town. Also sugar and carbs really don't help with depression. Nuts like cashews are really good for it. I have battled depression for years and finally decided that nutrition can play a huge part in it. Try this and I promise you will feel better.

Run

Try an Ott light--the floor stand model. Mine is behind my sofa, so I can sit underneath it while I read or watch TV.

Ott lights are full-spectrum lights that a lot of artists use because the light doesn't distort colors. I think they're the same bulb used in the therapeutic lightboxes. It's just easier to sit under an Ott than to sit in front of a box.

The bulbs are pricey, but last a long time.

Some craft stores sell them, or you can order online. I also have a desk-size Ott at work.

Anonymous wrote:my problem is that I am always, always cold. I hate the cold and the wind......that depresses me. Not the lack of sunlight as much as the feeling of being cold. I just don't want to step outside.

Yes, but when you don't go out you don't get sunshine, i.e. vitamin D. Try 1000 or even 2000 IUs of vitamin D every day. (Even better, get your vitamin D levels tested to find out what dosage you need.) Light therapy can help too; try a visor if you don't want to sit still in front of a light box. MY DD has seasonal depression and these two steps have made ALL the difference.

Anonymous wrote:why/how do those light lamps work?

so.so. I bought one last year but it requires that you sit in front of it for 30 minutes in the morning and evening and in the morning that was near impossible to just sit and relax for 30 minutes.

my problem is that I am always, always cold. I hate the cold and the wind......that depresses me. Not the lack of sunlight as much as the feeling of being cold. I just don't want to step outside.

why/how do those light lamps work?

Are you taking vitamin D? If no, try taking it daily.

caffeine helps me. tea, not coffee.

Maybe this is what is hitting me like a ton of bricks too! Sorry to hijack OP. I assumed I was just feeling overwhelmed by recent stressors and wondering how on earth I will host Thanksgiving and all the other things I need to do this holiday season. Sometimes I wish I could be a kid again and just be able to enjoy this time of year.

Well I'm not much help, but OP I am benefitting from your thread too. Thank you.

The special light lamps are very effective.

A teaspoon of cod liver oil helps lighten my mood esp in the winter.

Lots of sleep, eat healthy, sit outside in the sun for at least 15 minutes everyday, take vitamin D supplements and lots of daily exercise. You can also try one of those special light lamps.

It's starting up already! I've noticed that as I age (I'm 41) I experience more seasonal depression than when I was younger. It's only November and I'm already starting to get into my lethargic, melancholy hibernation mode. This will not do! But the dark and the cold... yuck! If this happens to you, what are some things you do to ward it off? I appreciate any advice.

TIA