Tag: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Top 5 Lamps for SAD
Chronic Illness · Depression · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Top 5 Lamps for SAD

Looking for the Light1 Comment

This is a repost that is always worth sharing.

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. Many people experience worse symptoms in the winter months. One of the proven ways to help with SAD is a specific type of lamp or light therapy box that emits a specific spectrum of light.

The SAD lamps are designed to mimic natural sunlight which is known to create Seratonin in the brain and helps to control your mood. During the winter months, there is often less sunshine and the loss of Seratonin from the darkness can cause depression. Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD?

One of the ways to help compensate for the loss of sunshine is to add a Lamp specifically designed to mimic sunshine by providing light artificially.

How Do SAD Lamps Work?

Typically, light therapy is meant to compensate for the lack of exposure to sunlight that is thought to be linked to major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. You’ll sit near a lightbox, which emits a strong light. The light usually mimics natural sunlight, but there can be variations. A unit of measure called a lux gauges the amount of light used in treatment. The standard output of a lightbox is between 2,500 and 10,000 lux.

Treatments usually begin in the fall and continue until early spring. Sessions commonly last from 10 to 15 minutes. The length of the session depends on how well you handle the treatment and the strength of the lightbox. Someone new to the method may be given shorter initial treatments. The more powerful the lightbox, the shorter the treatment session can be.

Why light therapy is effective is still being studied. One theory is that light naturally triggers the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the “feel-good” brain chemical. Some experts believe that success with light therapy is due to a placebo effect.

Top 5 Lamps for SAD

*Some of the links may not work since this is an older post but there are plenty of affordable options out there.*

Miroco

  • Full Spectrum Light: The light therapy lamp delivers bright light at up to 10,000 lux to provide you with your daily boost of sunshine
  • Safe for Eyes & Skin: UV Free LED-No light pollution, no radiation, lasts longer than fluorescent bulbs
  • 3 Modes at Finger Touch: Choose the most effective brightness for your needs at the touch of a finger
  • Built-In Timer: Re-energize yourself by setting an automatic timer from 10-60min in 10 minute intervals; long press any button 1.5s to cancel timing function
  • Portable Design: Compact size with foldable bracket makes the lamp easy to store and carry; fits next to your laptop, on the kitchen counter, on your cubicle desk, and elsewhere
Tao Tronics
  • 10000 Lux Bright Light Therapy: Simulating natural daylight at 6500K, the glare-free light therapy lamp helps to effectively combat gloomy mood and rainy days, no risk of sunburn as this lamp is UV-free
  • 20%-100% Customized Brightness: Easily adjust the brightness to cater to various needs, moods, lighting distances, and during autumn and winter days
  • 60 Energy-Efficient LEDs: More LEDs are used to deliver the full brightness at only 12W, does not emit any UV light or other polluting radiation
  • Ultra-Compact: The therapy lamp measures only 6.9 x 6.5 x 4.2in so it can be set up anywhere like on a desk, kitchen counter, or other small places; easily stored away to be taken with you anywhere when traveling
  • Easy Touch Control: Just tap the Power button on the top to turn the lamp on or off, and the Brightness button smoothly dims or brightens the lamp

Miroco 

  • Extra-Large Light Surface & UV-Free Light Therapy Light: Surface area (9. 8 x 6. 7in); the lamp delivers the recommended 10,000Lux and emulates the energizing power of a bright sunny day
  • Adjustable Brightness: With smooth dimmer, you can set it to the best level according to the environment, distance and your sensitivity with just a simple touch
  • Built-In Timer: Re-energize yourself by setting an automatic timer from 10-60min in 10 minute intervals; long press any button 1.5s to cancel timing function
  • Stable Therapy Lamp with Tilting Head: adjustable lamp head (angle range 55°) allows to adapt to each unique environment; Aluminum alloy stand with four rubber mat is stable and stylish
  • Memory Function: Helps you quickly turn on your light from last brightness letting
  • USA BASED – Verilux, with over 60 years as your Healthy Lighting Company, is the creator of the original HappyLight brand with live customer support located in Vermont.
  • LED, UV-FREE, FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT – Delivers up to 10,000 lux (light level) intensity for effective light therapy. Refined styling with a smooth rubber reinforcing trim and detachable weighted base stand. Lens dimension: 53 sq in.
  • PERSONALIZED SETTINGS – This light therapy lamp offers 4 brightness levels, HappyHue with a choice of 3 hues of bright white light, and a countdown timer for the most choices for maximum comfort.
  • IMPROVE SLEEP, MOOD, FOCUS, ENERGY – Bright light from the HappyLight Luxe light therapy lamp provides signals to the body to help you feel energized, focused, and revitalized.
  • SAFE AND NATURAL LIGHT THERAPY – Non-invasive and drug-free; perfect for office workers, seniors, shift work, jet lag, insomnia, and sunlight deprivation.
  • 10000 LUX LIGHT THERAPY LAMP (AT 12″). Daylight Lamp provides the recommended 10,000 LUX of glare-free white light. Sunlight lamp includes a safe, glare-free screen, and is a LED therapy light. Comes with a flexible angle stand for optimal light therapy
  • LED THERAPY LIGHT. The Mayo Clinic suggests using light therapy. Our natural light lamp brings you a light therapy lamp that safely and comfortably blocks 99.3% of UV and projects light downward as recommended by experts for maximum effectiveness
  • FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT. MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS. A large sun light lamp that provides superior light therapy. Our light therapy box is based on the model used by global researchers and includes 2 light settings for effective light box therapy.
  • CLINICAL STRENGTH, INDUSTRY LEADER. Raise your mood, improve your sleep, recover from jet lag, or boost your low energy using our mood light therapy light. Use it to energize your day or improve concentration while you work. Includes 5 year warranty.
  • BROAD ILLUMINATION RANGE. Our LED BrightZone Technology delivers the maximum dose of 10,000 LUX at 12 inches, ensuring you don’t have sit up close to the sun lamp like competing brands, maximizing effectiveness.

Several have coupons available from Amazon. I purchased the Miroco for myself and my father-in-law because it’s one of the top-rated and it’s compact. I didn’t need any bells and whistles and this one fits my needs.

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD? I would love to hear about your experience and how you’ve worked to combat depression brought on by the darker months.

Melinda

Do You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Depression · Health and Wellbeing · Healthy Living · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Do You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Looking for the Light5 Comments

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an older term for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern. It’s a psychological condition that results in depression which is normally provoked by seasonal change. The condition most often occurs in women, adolescents, and young adults.

Many times people will start to see a pattern to their depression as the seasons change. This is common in the winter months and in areas where it is darker more than there is light outside. SAD is more common the countries like Alaska and Canada than in South America.

SAD is classified into two types, one in the Summertime and the other in the Wintertime. The symptoms are markedly different.

Summertime symptoms are:

agitation

difficulty sleeping

increased restlessness

lack of appetite

weight loss

Wintertime symptoms are:

daytime fatigue

difficulty concentrating

feelings of hopelessness

increased irritability

lack of interest in social activities

lethargy

reduced sexual interest

unhappiness

weight gain

How do you know if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

If you notice these symptoms you should talk with your doctor right away and it would help if you kept a journal as to when the depression started. This will help the doctor make a correct diagnosis especially if you notice the changes appear to be seasonal. The more information you can provide the doctor more accurately they can diagnosis your depression.

How do you treat Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Your doctor can determine the best treatment and in severe cases, may prescribe medication or a combination of treatments. One treatment known to help is Light Box Therapy or a Lamp because they are specially designed to put out a minimum of 10,000 Lux full-spectrum light.

Here’s my post on the Top 5 SAD Lamps

I hope you will seek out more information and talk with your doctor if your symptoms are troubling you.

Melinda

Reference

https://www.healthline.com/health

https://www.webmd.com/depression/sad-directory

https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-or-dysthymia#1

Why Rain & Clouds Are Stressful
Health and Wellbeing · Healthy Living · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Why Rain & Clouds Are Stressful

Looking for the Light1 Comment

This is a helpful re-post that is very appropriate for today’s weather around the world. 

Melinda

 

This year, especially, creates new stressful events that affect all of us. Nobody can ignore how much the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for our mental health. Yet, the pandemic fear isn’t the only thing that can lead to stress during the last quarter of the year. 

Photo by Bibhukalyan Acharya on Pexels.com

SAD symptoms get worse

You are probably familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder, especially if you’ve been consciously self-isolated this year. SAD, for short, is a type of depressive disorder that is linked to seasonal light exposures. Typically, it occurs when days get shorter and nights longer, as you receive less direct sunlight. As the summer has come to an end, you may find your mood sinking again. SAD can develop into severe depression, so it’s not a disorder you should ignore. Thankfully, a lot of individuals with SAD can experience significant improvements with light therapy. Did you know that something as simple as buying a lamp for SAD may help to create the feel-good serotonin that affects your brain’s needs? 

Floodings everywhere 

After the sunny summer comes the autumn rain. Unfortunately, some areas are more likely to get flooded during the colder months because the soil can’t absorb the rainwater. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, seasonal floods may be a frequent occurrence. Even if your home is safe from significant damages, you could still get affected when you drive on the road. It’s not uncommon to come across deep puddles in winter that could damage your engines. Ideally, countryside dwellers need vehicles that can survive heavy floods, such as the reliable high-chassis Land Rover Discovery – You may want to head to your local Land Rover dealerships to find a vehicle that can drive through deep water. 

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Only 2 months before Christmas

It is soon the season to be jolly! Except that Christmas can also drive your stress levels to the maximum. A lot of people are already experiencing pre-Christmas stress when they think of the cost of preparation, shopping for presents, and the pressure to deal with family expectations. With a little over 2 months to get ready, it’s likely that you may be feeling overwhelmed already. It’s been an odd sort of year, and time has seemed to fly away from us. 

The feeling that the year has gone by too quickly

How can it already be October? The last time you checked, it was March and the news of a pandemic was just hitting the media. What happened to 2020? While everyone has had to put their lives on hold for the past 6 months, it’s hard to get to grips with the reality of the situation. It feels like a wasted year where you haven’t been able to enjoy much of it. For the time being, we have to learn patience to stay safe. 

In conclusion, feeling stressed or depressed by the rainy season is the most natural thing in the world. Thankfully, there are more than one ways to handle the situation. Whether you need to consider light therapy or organize your Christmas events early, stress is a response to a problem. Yet, most problems can be solved once you’ve identified your triggers! 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Depression · Health and Wellbeing · Healthy Living · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Looking for the Light2 Comments

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an older term for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern. It’s a psychological condition that results in depression which is normally provoked by seasonal change. The condition most often occurs in women, adolescents, and young adults.

Many times people will start to see a pattern to their depression as the seasons change. This is common in the winter months and in areas where it is darker more than there is light outside. SAD is more common the countries like Alaska and Canada than in South America.

SAD is classified into two types, one in the Summertime and the other in the Wintertime. The symptoms are markedly different.

Summertime symptoms are:

agitation

difficulty sleeping

increased restlessness

lack of appetite

weight loss

Wintertime symptoms are:

daytime fatigue

difficulty concentrating

feelings of hopelessness

increased irritability

lack of interest in social activities

lethargy

reduced sexual interest

unhappiness

weight gain

How do you know if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

If you notice these symptoms you should talk with your doctor right away and it would help if you kept a journal as to when the depression started. This will help the doctor make a correct diagnosis especially if you notice the changes appear to be seasonal. The more information you can provide the doctor more accurately they can diagnosis your depression.

How do you treat Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Your doctor can determine the best treatment and in severe cases, may prescribe medication or a combination of treatments. One treatment known to help is Light Box Therapy or a Lamp because they are specially designed to put out a minimum of 10,000 Lux full-spectrum light.

Here’s my post on the Top 5 SAD Lamps

I hope you will seek out more information and talk with your doctor if your symptoms are troubling you.

In health,

Melinda

Reference

https://www.healthline.com/health

https://www.webmd.com/depression/sad-directory

https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-or-dysthymia#1

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Depression · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Looking for the Light5 Comments

 

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an older term for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern. It’s a psychological condition that results in depression which is normally provoked by seasonal change. The condition most often occurs in women, adolescents, and young adults.

Many times people will start to see a pattern to their depression as the seasons change. This is common in the winter months and in areas where it is darker more than there is light outside. SAD is more common the countries like Alaska and Canada than in South America.

SAD is classified into two types, one in the Summertime and the other in the Wintertime. The symptoms are markedly different.

Summertime symptoms are:

agitation

difficulty sleeping

increased restlessness

lack of appetite

weight loss

Wintertime symptoms are:

daytime fatigue

difficulty concentrating

feelings of hopelessness

increased irritability

lack of interest in social activities

lethargy

reduced sexual interest

unhappiness

weight gain

How do you know if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

If you notice these symptoms you should talk with your doctor right away and it would help if you kept a journal as to when the depression started. This will help the doctor make a correct diagnosis especially if you notice the changes appear to be seasonal. The more information you can provide the doctor more accurately they can diagnosis your depression.

How do you treat Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Your doctor can determine the best treatment and in severe cases, may prescribe medication or a combination of treatments. One treatment known to help is Light Box Therapy or a Lamp because they are specially designed to put out a minimum of 10,000 Lux full-spectrum light.

Here’s my post on the Top 5 SAD Lamps

I hope you will seek out more information and talk with your doctor if your symptoms are troubling you.

In Health,

Melinda

Reference

https://www.healthline.com/health

https://www.webmd.com/depression/sad-directory

https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-or-dysthymia#1

 

woman with red umbrella standing at riverbank Why Rain & Clouds Are Stressful
Health and Wellbeing · Healthy Living · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Why Rain & Clouds Are Stressful

Looking for the Light4 Comments

Why Rain & Clouds Are Stressful

It is the season to be gloomy. Gray clouds in the sky and puddles on the path! For a lot of people, autumnal and wintry weather can affect your mood dramatically. Did you know that rain and clouds could be a potent source of stress in your life? 

woman with red umbrella standing at riverbank
Photo by Josh Hild on Pexels.com

This year, especially, creates new stressful events that affect all of us. Nobody can ignore how much the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for our mental health. Yet, the pandemic fear isn’t the only thing that can lead to stress during the last quarter of the year. 

SAD symptoms get worse

You are probably familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder, especially if you’ve been consciously self-isolated this year. SAD, for short, is a type of depressive disorder that is linked to seasonal light exposures. Typically, it occurs when days get shorter and nights longer, as you receive less direct sunlight. As the summer has come to an end, you may find your mood sinking again. SAD can develop into severe depression, so it’s not a disorder you should ignore. Thankfully, a lot of individuals with SAD can experience significant improvements with light therapy. Did you know that something as simple as buying a lamp for SAD may help to create the feel-good serotonin that affects your brain’s needs? 

Floodings everywhere 

After the sunny summer comes the autumn rain. Unfortunately, some areas are more likely to get flooded during the colder months because the soil can’t absorb the rainwater. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, seasonal floods may be a frequent occurrence. Even if your home is safe from significant damages, you could still get affected when you drive on the road. It’s not uncommon to come across deep puddles in winter that could damage your engines. Ideally, countryside dwellers need vehicles that can survive heavy floods, such as the reliable high-chassis Land Rover Discovery – You may want to head to your local Land Rover dealerships to find a vehicle that can drive through deep water. 

Only 2 months before Christmas

It is soon the season to be jolly! Except that Christmas can also drive your stress levels to the maximum. A lot of people are already experiencing pre-Christmas stress when they think of the cost of preparation, shopping for presents, and the pressure to deal with family expectations. With a little over 2 months to get ready, it’s likely that you may be feeling overwhelmed already. It’s been an odd sort of year, and time has seemed to fly away from us. 

The feeling that the year has gone by too quickly

How can it already be October? The last time you checked, it was March and the news of a pandemic was just hitting the media. What happened to 2020? While everyone has had to put their lives on hold for the past 6 months, it’s hard to get to grips with the reality of the situation. It feels like a wasted year where you haven’t been able to enjoy much of it. For the time being, we have to learn patience to stay safe. 

In conclusion, feeling stressed or depressed by the rainy season is the most natural thing in the world. Thankfully, there are more than one ways to handle the situation. Whether you need to consider light therapy or organize your Christmas events early, stress is a response to a problem. Yet, most problems can be solved once you’ve identified your triggers! 

This is a collaborative post.

In Health,

Melinda

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Top 5 Lamps for SAD
Chronic Illness · Depression · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Top 5 Lamps for SAD

Looking for the Light3 Comments

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. Many people experience worse symptoms in the winter months. One of the proven ways to help with SAD is a specific type of lamp or light therapy box that emits a specific spectrum of light.

The SAD lamps are designed to mimic natural sunlight which is known to create Seratonin in the brain and helps to control your mood. During the winter months, there is often less sunshine and the loss of Seratonin from the darkness can cause depression. Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD?

One of the ways to help compensate for the loss of sunshine is to add a Lamp specifically designed to mimic sunshine by providing light artificially.

How Do SAD Lamps Work?

Typically, light therapy is meant to compensate for the lack of exposure to sunlight that is thought to be linked to major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. You’ll sit near a lightbox, which emits a strong light. The light usually mimics natural sunlight, but there can be variations. A unit of measure called a lux gauges the amount of light used in treatment. The standard output of a lightbox is between 2,500 and 10,000 lux.

Treatments usually begin in the fall and continue until early spring. Sessions commonly last from 10 to 15 minutes. The length of the session depends on how well you handle the treatment and the strength of the lightbox. Someone new to the method may be given shorter initial treatments. The more powerful the lightbox, the shorter the treatment session can be.

Why light therapy is effective is still being studied. One theory is that light naturally triggers the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the “feel-good” brain chemical. Some experts believe that success with light therapy is due to a placebo effect.

 

Top 5 Lamps for SAD

Miroco

  • Full Spectrum Light: The light therapy lamp delivers bright light at up to 10,000 lux to provide you with your daily boost of sunshine
  • Safe for Eyes & Skin: UV Free LED-No light pollution, no radiation, lasts longer than fluorescent bulbs
  • 3 Modes at Finger Touch: Choose the most effective brightness for your needs at the touch of a finger
  • Built-In Timer: Re-energize yourself by setting an automatic timer from 10-60min in 10 minute intervals; long press any button 1.5s to cancel timing function
  • Portable Design: Compact size with foldable bracket makes the lamp easy to store and carry; fits next to your laptop, on the kitchen counter, on your cubicle desk, and elsewhere
Tao Tronics
  • 10000 Lux Bright Light Therapy: Simulating natural daylight at 6500K, the glare-free light therapy lamp helps to effectively combat gloomy mood and rainy days, no risk of sunburn as this lamp is UV-free
  • 20%-100% Customized Brightness: Easily adjust the brightness to cater to various needs, moods, lighting distances, and during autumn and winter days
  • 60 Energy-Efficient LEDs: More LEDs are used to deliver the full brightness at only 12W, does not emit any UV light or other polluting radiation
  • Ultra-Compact: The therapy lamp measures only 6.9 x 6.5 x 4.2in so it can be set up anywhere like on a desk, kitchen counter, or other small places; easily stored away to be taken with you anywhere when traveling
  • Easy Touch Control: Just tap the Power button on the top to turn the lamp on or off, and the Brightness button smoothly dims or brightens the lamp

Miroco 

  • Extra-Large Light Surface & UV-Free Light Therapy Light: Surface area (9. 8 x 6. 7in); the lamp delivers the recommended 10,000Lux and emulates the energizing power of a bright sunny day
  • Adjustable Brightness: With smooth dimmer, you can set it to the best level according to the environment, distance and your sensitivity with just a simple touch
  • Built-In Timer: Re-energize yourself by setting an automatic timer from 10-60min in 10 minute intervals; long press any button 1.5s to cancel timing function
  • Stable Therapy Lamp with Tilting Head: adjustable lamp head (angle range 55°) allows to adapt to each unique environment; Aluminum alloy stand with four rubber mat is stable and stylish
  • Memory Function: Helps you quickly turn on your light from last brightness letting
  • USA BASED – Verilux, with over 60 years as your Healthy Lighting Company, is the creator of the original HappyLight brand with live customer support located in Vermont.
  • LED, UV-FREE, FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT – Delivers up to 10,000 lux (light level) intensity for effective light therapy. Refined styling with a smooth rubber reinforcing trim and detachable weighted base stand. Lens dimension: 53 sq in.
  • PERSONALIZED SETTINGS – This light therapy lamp offers 4 brightness levels, HappyHue with a choice of 3 hues of bright white light, and a countdown timer for the most choices for maximum comfort.
  • IMPROVE SLEEP, MOOD, FOCUS, ENERGY – Bright light from the HappyLight Luxe light therapy lamp provides signals to the body to help you feel energized, focused, and revitalized.
  • SAFE AND NATURAL LIGHT THERAPY – Non-invasive and drug-free; perfect for office workers, seniors, shift work, jet lag, insomnia, and sunlight deprivation.
  • 10000 LUX LIGHT THERAPY LAMP (AT 12″). Daylight Lamp provides the recommended 10,000 LUX of glare-free white light. Sunlight lamp includes a safe, glare-free screen, and is a LED therapy light. Comes with a flexible angle stand for optimal light therapy
  • LED THERAPY LIGHT. The Mayo Clinic suggests using light therapy. Our natural light lamp brings you a light therapy lamp that safely and comfortably blocks 99.3% of UV and projects light downward as recommended by experts for maximum effectiveness
  • FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT. MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS. A large sun light lamp that provides superior light therapy. Our light therapy box is based on the model used by global researchers and includes 2 light settings for effective light box therapy.
  • CLINICAL STRENGTH, INDUSTRY LEADER. Raise your mood, improve your sleep, recover from jet lag, or boost your low energy using our mood light therapy light. Use it to energize your day or improve concentration while you work. Includes 5 year warranty.
  • BROAD ILLUMINATION RANGE. Our LED BrightZone Technology delivers the maximum dose of 10,000 LUX at 12 inches, ensuring you don’t have sit up close to the sun lamp like competing brands, maximizing effectiveness.

Several have coupons available from Amazon. I purchased the Miroco for myself and my father-in-law because it’s one of the top-rated and it’s compact. I didn’t need any bells and whistles and this one fits my needs.

Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD? I would love to hear your experience and how you’ve worked to combat depression brought on by the darker months.

Melinda