None of us is perfect, and honestly, more people than you would think struggle with serious disorders that affect their every day lives. Light therapy has been proven effective in a wide array of scenarios. A light box imitates outdoor light, which boosts energy levels and improves health, as well as multiple other perks.The process of using a light box and other forms of the therapy have been successfully treating all sorts of disorders. These conditions range from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), to curing acne that just won’t go away…plus a little bit of everything in between. Now lets talk…why should you try light therapy?

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression…

If you struggle with any form of depression, light therapy may be a game changer for you. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a form of depression that usually strikes annually during fall and winter. For some people, symptoms for SAD occur during summer and spring, but it is rare. Symptoms for the disorder include irritability, trouble getting along with others, weight gain and major appetite changes, low energy levels, extreme sensitivity to rejection, oversleeping, and an achey, heavy feeling throughout the limbs.

For people with depression, aside from Seasonal Affective Disorder, light therapy can help by simply using a light box to bring their energy levels back to normal. Depression is usually apparent in conjunction with lack of sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders. Circadian Rhythm Disorders are changes in a person’s normal rhythm of their 24 hours cycles. When the patterns of the brain wave activity drastically change due to work, pregnancy, medications, time zone changes, routine swaps, and medical issues such as Alzheimer’s, it is hard for the brain to keep up. Making it is easy for depression to creep in. Light therapy can help bring your brain and energy levels back to a point that is difficult to reach without any assistance.

2. Mental Disorders Can See The Light…

More than three million people in the United States are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, also referred to as Manic Depression each year. The disorder brings about episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Most people struggling with the disorder undergo periods of elevated moods, either high or low, and increased irritability. A reduced need for sleep, depression symptoms, and loss of interest in passions are all common occurrences.

Same as Bipolar Disorder, there are more than three millions US cases of Insomnia per year. Insomnia is usually self-diagnosable and the symptoms include difficulty falling asleep and remaining asleep. People that struggle with Insomnia are often overly tired, lack concentration, show signs of depression, are extremely irritable, and suffer from headaches.

Unfortunately, neither disorder can be cured, but light therapy has been proven to show signs of improvement. Light therapy helps keep the biological clock on time in people with Bipolar Disorder and Insomnia. This clock can be easily agitated and can throw off sleep and wake cycles which are known to stir up symptoms such as mania and depression. Using light therapy aids in regulating biological patterns, in turn reducing mood swings and major brain wave changes.

People who struggle with SAD, depression, and Bipolar Disorder, often face other mental disorders such as Bulimia and Anorexia. The therapy indirectly improves mood, thus reducing the need to binge or purge. Or in the case of Anorexia, people feel the need to consume more food than normal for them.

3. Psoriasis, Acne and Other Skin Disorders…

Light therapy is extremely effective for skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Scleroderma, and many other disorders. The process works by decreasing cell growth and inflammation that create skin issues. Psoriasis and acne, both very common skin conditions, have both shown results when treated with light therapy processes. Do you struggle with any of these? Most of us do or have at some point.

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells build up and form itchy and scaly patches on your body. Using a light box in a scenario such as this would slow down your cell growth and bring this painful condition to a halt.

There are also forms of light therapy that can improve the cosmetic appearance of your skin, for issues such as acne. Acne, which appears in the form of pimples, blackheads, and bumps, arises when hair follicles plug with dead skin cells and oil. There are many different forms of light therapy to aid in getting rid of acne, and most have proven effective for the common issues of every day pimples or “zits.” Light processes work in this scenario by killing the bacteria in your skin from the inside out in less than fifteen minutes of treatment.

4. Say Goodbye To Pills…

Why take pills for your disorders when there may not be a need? Trying different forms of light therapy and seeing results may mean that you can cancel those prescriptions your doctor keeps filling. Antidepressants bring along a whole slew of side effects that are far from fun. These include nausea, weight gain, fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, sexual problems, blurred vision, dry mouth, stomach issues such as constipation, and much more.

Also, either decreasing the amount of pills you take or just cutting them all together can be extremely beneficial if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding. Save that baby! Switching to a more natural form of medication, such as light therapy, will not only help you, but it will keep your baby healthy and safe.

5. Undergoing Study For Much Much More…

Light therapy is currently under the microscope for conditions such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Premenstrual Syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia, Attention Deficit/Hyperacticity Disorder (ADHD), jet lag, and more. If you find yourself struggling with any of these, light therapy may be the path you want to follow. Light therapy has not been proven to cure any of these conditions quite yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

As long as you’re going about light therapy the correct way, it can’t hurt you. Why not give it a try? It could drastically improve your life.

What Is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal Depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a mood disorder and mild form of depression. Unlike major depression, seasonal depression is temporary. It occurs at the same time each year, usually in the fall and winter months. Some people experience seasonal depression in the opposite months. Leaving them struggle with depression in the spring and summer and not finding happiness again until fall and winter. This form of the depression is much less common. Seasonal extremely frequent, ranking in with more than 3 million US cases each year. It is typically treatable and not a long term condition. The disorder typically resolves within months.What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms for winter and fall Seasonal Affective Disorder may include…

• Irritability
• Tiredness or low energy
• Problems getting along with other people
• Hypersensitivity to rejection
• Heavy, “leaden” feeling in the arms or legs
• Oversleeping
• Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbs
• Weight gain

Symptoms for spring and summer Seasonal Affective Disorder may include…

• Depression
• Trouble sleeping (Insomnia)
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Agitation or anxiety

(Symptoms lists from MayoClinic.org)

Why Does Seasonal Depression Occur?

We do not know exactly why Seasonal Depression occurs and what causes it. However, many studies have been done in attempt to figure it out. Our biological clock (our Circadian Rhythm), is one factor. Because of the increased amount of darkness, and decreased amount of sunlight in the fall and winter months, our body’s internal clock is off. This can lead to feelings of depression. Another factor is our Serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter chemical in our brains that affects our moods. When the amount of sunlight that we are exposed to reduces, our Serotonin levels drop, prompting depression. The third reason is our Melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone found in our brains that anticipates the daily onset of darkness. When our light levels are off, for examples, when it gets dark at 4PM due to daylight savings, our brain gets confused and releases Melatonin. This tricks our brain and body and messes up our brain waves as well as our energy levels.

The Huffington Post took to their Healthy Living blog to discuss “10 Things Everyone Should Know About Seasonal Depression.” Lindsay Holmes, Healthy Living Editor, went in detail explaining how Seasonal Depression should be analyzed and discussed with a doctor. Holmes claimed that sometimes Seasonal Depression is a sign of underlying depression. She also defended the condition by stating that it’s not something to joke about and it’s an actual serious illness. For her eighth and ninth reasons on the blog, she explained where the depression seems to be the most prevalent as well as who seems to deal with it the most. Holmes explained,

“It’s more prevalent in northern states. People who live in colder, cloudier climates may be more susceptible to the disorder. Northern states have higher rates of SAD than southern states, according to the University of California, Irvine.

SAD is more common in women. Studies show women have higher rates of depression than men, including SAD, the New York Times reported. However, that doesn’t mean men are immune. Depression doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or any biological factor.”
(HuffingtonPost.com)

What Is Light Therapy?

Light Therapy is the concept of using different forms of light to treat a wide array of conditions. Doctors of all sciences have been using light therapy on their patients for years now. Thanks to the convenience of new light therapy products, it is not easy and accessible to use Light Therapy products at home. Light therapy has been helping to cure Seasonal Depression on insane levels and there is no sign of it stopping.

Light Therapy & Seasonal Depression…

Most people suffering from Seasonal Depression don’t do anything to fix the issue. Instead of looking for an answer, they assume it’s normal. They sleep in a little longer, drink more coffee, and wait for spring to poke it’s head out. Some people don’t even know they are struggling with something that is actually medically recognizable. To them, it’s just the winter blues. But by ignoring the fact that they’re suffering, they’re missing out on some months that could be wonderful. With today’s modern technology, there’s no need to avoid the topic anymore. There is actually a cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The Options…

People suffering from Seasonal Depression have a couple options for treatment when it comes to Light Therapy. One option is a light box. A light box provides a measured amount of light through fluorescent bulbs or panels. The light intensity is typically between 2,500 to 10,000 lux. The amount of light is different depending on what you deem necessary for your treatment. Typically the amount of light would be equal to that of the amount of sunlight you are exposed to on a nice spring day. The light box helps regulate the internal clock in your mind, keeping your brain on track and your energy level high. The light box is typically small to medium sized, easy to carry, and fairly portable, depending on the seriousness of the depression. People undergoing the treatment set aside around 30 minutes a day, sometimes twice a day, and sit around 12 to 24 inches away from the light box. You would then carry on with whatever you choose. Reading, knitting, writing, eating, talking on the phone, etc. Be careful not to look directly into the light.

For people who have trouble waking up in the morning, have not seen results with light therapy boxes, or want to combine two methods, dawn/dusk simulators are recommended. The devices have proven effective for people with mild symptoms up to severe symptoms. The dawn/dusk simulator helps mimic the ideal lighting and darkness occurring outdoors. For example, if you have trouble waking up in the morning, the simulator can be set to slowly turn on at 8AM, or whatever time you choose. A bright light will appear in your bedroom, typically on a bedside table. The simulator leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Another case would be helping keep your biological clock on time by mimicking light throughout your day and then shutting down at the accurate outdoors time. For people who live in places that stay dark for a significant amount of the time each year, like Alaska in the winter, this simulator is perfect. It will mimic sunlight in your house all day, reminding you that it is day time. Once the time of sunset rolls around, the device will slowly shut off.

 

Seasonal Depression is not rare, it is not a joke, and it could be happening to you. What are you going to do about it?

What Is Depression?

Everyone has their moments where they feel sad and low, sometimes even depressed. These feelings can stem from rejection, loss, drastic lifestyle changes, low self esteem, every day struggles, and more. But when these feelings don’t subside, when your mood stays as low as the dirt below you, it is very likely that your sadness has transformed into something deeper. These are signs of being clinically depressed. When depressed, most people feel helpless, hopeless, and worthless. There are little to no things that can lift people’s chins in scenarios such as this. These feelings can last from a few days, to months, to years. A great deal of people battle depression for their entire lives. When sadness turns into depression, it becomes a condition that is medically treatable.

How Do I Know If I Am Depressed?

Web MD, a very reliable website dedicated to helping people understand their bodies, has a section on their website explaining depression and all of the details surrounding the condition. In their piece on depression, there is a chapter titled, “How Do I Know If I Have Depression?” They continue to list signs that point towards depression followed by some important key signs…

• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
• A sense of restlessness or being slowed down
• Significant weight loss or weight gain

“A key sign of depression is either depressed mood or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. For a diagnosis of depression, these signs should be present most of the day either daily or nearly daily for at least two weeks. In addition, the depressive symptoms need to cause clinically significant distress or impairment. They cannot be due to the direct effects of a substance, for example, a drug or medication. Nor can they be the result of a medical condition such as hypothyroidism.” (WebMD.com)

Is Depression Common?

It is important to note that depression is extremely common. In fact, it’s even more than extremely common. It is estimated that by 2020, clinical depression will be the second most cause of disability in the world. Heart Disease is the first. Although most forms of depression are clinically treatable, a great deal of people who suffer from depression fail to acknowledge that there is a valid explanation to their low and depressed moods. Some people know, but fail to accept that depression is the case. Because of this, many people search tirelessly for other causes and explanations.

Light Therapy & Depression…

Light Therapy is the process of using different forms of light to help reduce and/or treat a wide array of conditions and disorders. Doctors have been using light therapy on patients suffering from depression for awhile. And now, thanks to the convenience of new light therapy products, you can also use the treatment at home. Light therapy has been tackling depression slowly but surely.

Light Therapy is usually discussed in terms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a mild form of depression that typically occurs in the winter months. But major depression is also a condition that is being looked at under the light. A recent study has shown that fluorescent lighting is being used to treat major (non-seasonal) depression. In fact, the treatment might actually be better than anti-depressants.

Where’s The Proof?

JAMA Psychiatry arranged a randomized clinical trial to study Light Therapy and depression. The team at JAMA assigned 122 people struggling with major depression to one of many treatment groups. One group was given fluorescent light therapy from a simple light box. The treatment was 30 minutes of light and a placebo pill right after they awoke from a nights sleep. The second group took Prozac, and were exposed to the sound of a negative ion generator. It was deactivated and produced a hum. No ions. The third group received both treatments together. The control group was given both of the placebo treatments.

Forbes writer, Alice G. Walton, who is a contributor to the website’s Pharmacy and Healthcare section, studied the clinic that was conducted by JAMA. She took to the Forbes blog to describe how the trial went, in terms that are a bit easier for us non-scientists to understand. She wrote on the blog,

“At the end of the study period, 59% of the people who had both active treatments – light therapy and medication together – achieved remission from their depression. And light therapy alone wasn’t too far behind: about 44% of the participants who’d received active light therapy (along with the placebo pill) experienced remission. In contrast, only 19% of those taking the antidepressant and receiving the placebo light therapy achieved remission. And 30% of people receiving both placebos did.

When it came to how many people experienced a reduction in their symptoms by 50%, a similar breakdown was observed. About 76% of the people who received both light therapy and antidepressant had this level of symptom reduction. For those who received only light therapy, about half of this group saw reduction in their symptoms, and for those who took the antidepressant alone, 29% did. For those getting the placebo pill and placebo light therapy, 33% saw the same level of reduction in their symptoms.

This isn’t the first study to suggest that medication isn’t any better than placebo — but it is the first to suggest that light therapy may be better than either one for treating major depression.” (Forbes.com)

A Game Changer…

Seeing results such as the ones from the JAMA Psychiatry clinical trial are a total game changer for people dealing with major (non-seasonal) depression. Light Therapy treatments are fairly inexpensive and very easily accessible. Light Therapy also has little to no side effects, which is definitely not the case for anti-depressants. Anti-depressants come with a whole slew of side effects that no one wants to deal with, especially when they’re already dealing with depression. These treatments should not be experimented with for depression reasons before speaking to a doctor. But if approved by a doctor, it might be time to say goodbye to depression thanks to Light Therapy.