6 Kinds of Light Therapy to Treat Seasonal Depression

It’s that time of year again when the highly sensitive types among us who thrive with lots of sunlight begin to wither with the plants as the sun begins to hide. Not only do we get less vitamin D (and deficiencies have been linked to depression), but the change in sunlight affects our circadian rhythm — the body’s internal biological clock that governs certain brain activity and hormone production. In some people, the change of mood-related chemicals can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter blues or seasonal depression. For an episode of major depression to be classified as SAD, a person will have had at least three episodes of mood disturbances in three separate winter seasons — at least two of which were consecutive. There should also be no association between the episode and a significant situational stressor, such as a death, divorce, or unemployment. Fortunately, for those struggling with the winter blues or maybe even just a mild case of seasonal sadness, there are many bright light treatments that can help regulate melatonin and other hormones affected by circadian rhythms to treat mood. People with bipolar disorder should only use light therapy under the supervision of a doctor, because the treatment might trigger or aggravate episodes of mania or hypomania. I would definitely not use any bright light treatment at night, as it may very well interfere with your sleep, which could worsen your depression. Here are details on ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Alternative and Nutritional Supplements Bipolar Depression Holiday Coping Mental Health and Wellness Roundup Self-Help Light therapy Sad Sadness Seasonal Affective Disorder Seasonal Depression seasonal depressive disorder Vitamin Source Type: blogs