Anonymous wrote:

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.

You are definitely not supposed to use light boxes in the evening! They totally wake you up. The studies that have proven them effective have studied lights of 10,000 lux, 30 minutes per day in the AM, shining on your face slightly from above and about 12 inches away. I know this from studying SAD in graduate school and also from using one. I just got one this fall for the first time, and I am kicking myself for not getting one years ago. It has made a HUGE difference for me, noticeable within the first week. I set my alarm a little earlier (ugh, I know, but it's worth it), and I drag my half-asleep ass over to the light, turn it on, and read something fun. I actually do well with about 20 minutes (30 is ok too if I have extra time, but more than 30 makes me crazy wired, like I've OD'ed on caffeine). By the end of the 20 minutes, I am awake and energetic and I plunge into the day, making lunches, getting kids dressed, etc. I have NEVER been a morning person, EVER, so this is a total revelation for me to feel this energized in the mornings. And I don't have the same dark, dreary, going-to-curl-up-and-eat-my-weight-in-carbs feeling haunting me throughout the day. Really, really, if you have this problem, do not hesitate to try one of these lights. I know I sound crazy evangelical, but this feeling is so different and great, and I think back on all the months I've spent moping and dragging my butt through the winter, and I wish I could go back in time and just shake myself and be like, take the plunge! buy the damn light box!

This is the one I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Uplift-Technologies-DL930-Day-Light-Affective/dp/B0009MFUWC
I actually bought mine from another more-expensive place (not Amazon) that had a 30-day money back guarantee -- they are out there, so look for that if you're hesitant.

And this is a great, well-researched, readable book on the subject, with all kinds of ideas (including info on light boxes):
http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Blues-Revised-Everything-Affective/dp/1593851162/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

I have a Sunbox junior for SAD. Works really well for me using it once a say for 10 minutes (must be 14 inches from your face, so mine is next to my computer monitor.)

My DH put the light next to the bed. He turn it on when his alarm goes off, and he just lays there and lets it wake him up. At night, he reads for 30 minutes with it on. It seems to work well. I also up our intake of vitamin D during this time.

Obviously it's not healthy at all...but I've heard that tanning beds really help.

Anonymous wrote:In response to 12:25, there isn't much consensus online whether Ott lights are therapeutic. I think they help, and I also think the light is very calming to read under.

12:25 here. Thank you. I think I will get one of the floor lamps for reading and work. My office window faces north and I don't get enough natural light. I used to have a light box but I found the quality of the light to be unpleasant. The Ott floor lamp sounds good. Thanks again.

Anonymous wrote:Run

OP here. Thanks for all the tips. I'm feeling good right now... the sunlight is streaming in through my window. I will try the Vit D and niacin suggestions. As far as the suggestion to "run," above, unfortunately that's not an option. I have osteoarthritis in my ankle and a heel spur from a previous break, so that won't work for me. I'm going to start yoga and swimming, but can only do those after work when it's dark, and honestly my first impulse when it's dark and cold is to be like, "I have to get home NOW." It's like a primal thing I have to fight against if I want to do stuff after work.

Question for the poster who uses the Ott light... I looked on Amazon at the reviews and it seemed to be described as a "task light" for someone who was doing detailed work like sewing. It really helps make reading more comfortable? And you feel better sitting under it? I don't have time to do dedicated light therapy, so I think I might try it. Also might get one for my dad, who loves to read but has cataracts and floaters. I think it will help make reading easier for him.

Thanks again to all and it's good to know others are having the same issues in winter.

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.

This was me. The cold and the tired (along with kids) and I barely could move. I am a runner so just slogged my way through it thinking at some point the exercise would change it. Anyway, found out I was SEVERELY anemic. Iron and B12 worked wonders. Something I still have to watch. Cold is a big indicator so You should get tested!

In response to 12:25, there isn't much consensus online whether Ott lights are therapeutic. I think they help, and I also think the light is very calming to read under.

Anonymous wrote:I absolutely hate the cold, too. During the last several winters I wasn't going outside very much because I just froze, and I really found myself suffering from seasonal depression. It sounds so basic, but last winter I vowed I wouldn't be cold. I bought several sets of silk long underwear, and I wore it every day. I also wore nothing but wool socks and had my winter boots on a ton. I know I wasn't dressing very fashionably, but I didn't care. I was warm and it felt easier to be out and about. I've already broken out the long underwear this season. I feel like its my armor against winter depression.

This. It helps so much to dress in warm layers and wool socks (smartwool rocks, because it's warm but not too thick.) And even though I also tend to feel cold all the time, a fast walk really makes me warm if I'm dressed right. including scarf and hat and gloves.

I absolutely hate the cold, too. During the last several winters I wasn't going outside very much because I just froze, and I really found myself suffering from seasonal depression. It sounds so basic, but last winter I vowed I wouldn't be cold. I bought several sets of silk long underwear, and I wore it every day. I also wore nothing but wool socks and had my winter boots on a ton. I know I wasn't dressing very fashionably, but I didn't care. I was warm and it felt easier to be out and about. I've already broken out the long underwear this season. I feel like its my armor against winter depression.

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.

It's really hard to do, but you have to plan active things outside to keep yourself warm. The hardest part is getting out the door. But plan a walk in the early afternoon, like pushing your kid in a stroller to a local library and then taking the metro home. Or plan a walk in a pretty, sunny park and dress in layers, make yourself walk fast, whether you listen to rock and roll on iPod or a podcast with an exercise guru or whatever gets your heart pumping.

I have a lot of trouble getting up in the dark and found having a 'dawn simulator' helpful. It's like an alarm clock (and comes with a traditional beep alarm if you choose to use it). The light comes on gradually - like the sunrise. This is what I have http://www.amazon.com/BioBrite-Sunrise-Clock-Advanced-Model/dp/B00196LFGW/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1321120653&sr=1-1 . I actually have two. One for me and one for the kids. My DH used to be a non-believer but now also swears by it. Please note that sometimes Biobrite can have product quality control issues but they've been extremely responsive. They even sent me a new light out even before I had a chance to return the malfunctioning one.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Aren't there risks associated with taking such a high dose of vitamin D?