Light Therapy for S.A.D.

adjunct therapies

A replacement for the bright light of summer can prevent the worst symptoms of SAD. I recommend a Canadian version of the SAD light, called the Litebook. It is tiny, inexpensive and very effective - and I use it each winter.
It is available through the centre, delivered directly from the manufacturer.
According to Dr. Raymond Lam, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and SAD specialist at UBC's Mood Disorders Clinic, SAD can be debilitating, preventing healthy people from functioning normally, affecting their personal and professional lives and seriously limiting their potential.
SAD results from the decrease in hours of sunlight as winter approaches. Since winter days are shorter the farther north you go, SAD is more common in northern countries. About one in forty-five Canadians will experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. It affects four times as many women as men and incidence declines as we get older. SAD also affects children and teenagers. Symptoms usually begin in early winter, and may last until late spring.
Symptoms of SAD are easily observed in one's mood, energy level, behaviour and appetite. Mood: depression, mood swings and irritability Energy: difficulty arising in the morning, low energy, fatigue, lethargy, and wanting to sleep all the time. Behaviour: increased sleep, overeating, decreased activity and exercise, decreased productivity, avoiding outings and company Appetite: craving carbohydrates and sugar, overeating and weight gain
TAKE CONTROL OF S.A.D. Just knowing that the pall will lift with the spring can stop a downward spiral into clinical depression. Implementing small changes can provide a major benefit. Homeopathic remedies, daily exercise, dietary modification, light therapy and natural light exposure may be effective, individually or in combination. These may prevent SAD symptoms from becoming debilitating.

Light therapy is a proven approach with consistent results. Throughout the season, the eyes are exposed to a specially designed bright light, starting with about 10 minutes daily. Many people have remission of symptoms in as little as a week. Recent advancements in light technology have created small white-light LED devices that act on the brain centres more efficiently and require less time to use.
The inexpensive Litebook is available at the LHC. It costs CD$199, plus tax, delivered. Email Marion for information.
NOTE - Avoid 'Blue Light' devices that look similar, but which may cause damage to the retina.
Click here for a video on SAD and Litebook technology, featuring Dr. Lam.

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Light Therapy for S.A.D.