Light box for S.A.D. sufferer

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this thread but I had a question to ask.

I have had PND since our son was born 13 months ago, which is compounded by the fact i've been off medication since May due to becoming accidentially pregnant again. I'm now 32 weeks and find most days i'm struggling with my moods.

My husband has also recently been diagnosed with depression and is on 10mg of citalopram. The cause of his is primarily feeling trapped in a job he hates, the dark of winter and not enough sleep. I've always felt as he hates and suffers in the winter so much he has a mild form of SAD. Someone suggested he get a light box to sit on his desk at work, but I don't know anything about what is a good one, reasonable price etc.

We can't afford too much as we've got another baby coming soon, but I really want to help my husband, who in turn can support me more if he feels better.

I did a quick search through this thread but not too thoroughly as time is of an essance, as it always is with babies in the house.

I have also googled light boxes and looked on ebay, but there are so many different styles, types, specs that we just don't know what is good and not, what you need and what is a gimmick.

Please can someone advise on their experiences?

Many thanks,

Bay

alric

I found a couple of books in the library for insomniacs, one had a good section on lightboxes, inc making your own
One of the suggestions was to go outside, even on overcast days, just stare at the sky for 15 minutes.This should help a lot due to the amount of light
A popular thing in germany for winter/SAD is St Johns Wort.Maybe worth checking out,

icefall

saw this a while back on hotukdeals

http://www.hotukdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108448

long discussion above and direct link to sad lights website here

http://www.cybercheckout.com/prod/918/2876160/prod.html?catLevel=0&scLevel=-1&catParentID=1978&scId=1978

some interesting stuff there

depression support thread here on mse link

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=491054&highlight=depression

dmg24

Any of the Lumie products are highly recommended (including by me!). They are not the cheapest, but they are (AFAIK) clinically proven to have a positive effect.

It is also worth asking at the Boots Pharmacy, as at one point you could ask them to deduct the VAT from the item, as it is for a clinical purpose.

paisley_lass

just to let u know that after much research on light boxes i decided to buy one from argos that cost £60....its 10,000 lux the same strength as most on lumie website but about half the price of their cheapest.

baby_bronagh

hi glad you got your s.a.d box.I think that you'll find it a great help as I used one myself for about 3 years.One thing to remember it to start using it around the end of september till the end of march get the best benefit from it.Things that can also help are going outdoors whenever you can and if you wear reactalight specs. ditch them till the summertime.I glad to say that after suffered with s.a.d for many years I've now had 2 winters without having to take antidepressants or use my lightbox .Hope this helps !