Have used a light box for a few years, it seems to help a bit, I am sure the more up to date ones will be much better. Even so I don't think I coule get through the winter without it.

I've been using light therapy for about 15 years. It does help with energy level. I consulted my psychiatrist before buying a new one recently. It's a portable 10,000 lux lamp. Very small. You can see it at www.naturebright.com.
Good luck.

What is light therapy and how does it work?

I personally can't stand bright places....hmmmm...wonder why???

It's wierd that I would hate bright places but after hearing about this therapy, I think maybe it has to do with mood and depression?

LIGHT THERAPY REPLACES SOME OF THE DAYLIGHT HOURS WE DON'T GET DURING FALL AND WINTER.
LOOK FOR THEM ON LINE UNDER LIGHT THERAPY.

I JUST WANT TO SHARE THAT I'VE STARTED TAKING LARGE DOSES OF OMEGA 3 OIL. I TAKE IN THE FORM OF OIL AND EACH TEASPOON HAS 1500 MG. OF EPA AND 500 MG. OF DHA. AGAIN YOU CAN FIND SOME ONLINE. IT IS DEFINITELY HELPING MY MOOD.

How exactly does one obtain a light box?

Fersurmaybee asked about how to find a light box... There are lots of sources online. I bought mine from Amazon.com.

Do some research, though, on what to look for in a lightbox. I understand that you need 10,000 lux, it should be filtered for UV light, and it should be white light -- not blue.

Here is some info on the Mayo Clinic site. This helped me choose my light box.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/DN00013

I have abd still am trying light therapy, i dont really liek it, i think there are better ways, sometimes it makes me feel abit better, but over all im not a huge fan, but everyone is diffrent

I've just started using one. I rented it to see how I like it. Aparently you HAVE to use it every morning at the same time everyday for it to work, so I will see how it goes. I've heard a lot of great things about it.

You can actually get the GoLite at Costco if you have it nearby. I use it while I eat breakfast and get ready in the morning. Not convinced it's a cure-all, but it helps.

hmmmm light therapy eh? will going to the tanner help? ;o) not sure what this is all about, but it would give me an excuse to get a tan

I just purchased two big ones. My shrink said big ones work ALOT better. (bigger is better?:) Shrink asked me to use it 20-30 mins.before sun rise and 20-30 mins. after sun set. They are used to extend the daylight hour(adjust your biological clock) to fool?/ tell your brain that daylight remains the same...i.e.usage is to extend the daylight hour during winter time. I am giving them a try. Some website said not to use them before bed or you'd easily have insomnia. Also, they said if you use it before you fly (from e.g.USA to Asia or the other way around), they can help you to get rid of jetlag more easily...believe it or not?

fichai:

I ended up with insomnia from using it at night.

Once I cheered up, I've been fine so long as I keep the drapes and blinds open so I get the natural night during the day. I'd say 'sunshine' but the Pacific Northwest has slate gray winters....

http://www.bluemaxlighting.com/ Bought on these a few weeks ago.Hope it works.

Hi! THis is my first post, just joined the site.

Hoping to try light therapy for relief.

bellaa, where did you rent you light box from? Sounds like a good idea instead of buying to find out if it really works.

Just read a decent book on the subject Winter Blues - everything you need to know to beat SAD by Norman Rosenthal, MD