Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Light therapy for bipolar disorder

ayla67
ayla67
I know that therapy bright light is used on Seasonal affective disorder and I think also it might be used fro major depression, but has anybody heard of it being used for bipolar I or II for bipolar in any phase? I have the light, I was just wondering if it might work on depression for me.

I'm also wondering, If a bipolar were to use the light too much, could it inadvertently trigger mania?

Ayla67
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
hi, I think Dobie might have tried it.

Apparently light boxes come with a warning about bipolar so the makers are aware of that possibility.
spacekat
spacekat
I was told to be 'careful' when I used the box and if I felt hypomanic, to stop using it all together. So far, it has helped my SAD so much and hasn't yet become a problem. I think you have to discuss how much time you spend in front of it and at what distance with your pdoc. It does work wonders for SAD for me.
dobiedots
dobiedots
Yes, it does work. And YES, if used for too long it can cause mania.
I used it for 20 min. a day for about a week. As soon as I feel 'Jumpy" I stop using it. It's a wonderful thing....if used correctly.
By all means try it...just watch for that jumpy, nervous feeling. If it hits, stop using it. You can always use it again at a later date.
Desigol1979
Desigol1979
I used the light therapy religiously, perhaps that triggered mania in me given time.
dobiedots
dobiedots
Very possible Des.
MayB
MayB
Loved my light box used it all the time in the gray rainy weather that signals winter in Northern CA. ..

It sure helped the depression but it brought on a mania that lasted six months and took a three week hospitalization to put down....

Use it by all means but be careful!
olenka1
olenka1
The seasons don't affect me so I've never used a therapy light. I find that having my meds., a healthy diet & plenty of exercise help my overall mood.
dancingd
dancingd
I would say, use in moderation

Yes ! Too much light can trigger mania

Says the bipolar lady who just moved to Arizona {geesh what was I thinking ? }
dobiedots
dobiedots
Too funny dd!! Don't go outside!!

Carol Ann...stay away from the light Carol Ann.
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