Have Sad Lights Helped Your Ptsd?

[Seasounds]

I'm wondering, has anyone found lights for Seasonal Affective Disorder helpful?

 

[franciemarnie]

No, but that may be because I dislike fluorescent lights almost to the point of trigger.

When I worked in a lighting showroom one winter - and this was before I ever heard of SADD or light therapy - it was the first winter of comparative contentment I'd had in 25 years so I definitely believe light works. For me though - it's got to be bright non-fluorescent light. A lot of people seem to be helped by these light boxes. I did get one once with the unpleasant trigger side effects so I went back to other sources.

Speaking of which, I shall now go take a walk in the sun and play tunes. Double whammy!

 

[Seasounds]

You brought up an important factor: most (if not all-?) SAD lights, even 'blue lights', are run on a fluctuating, fluorescent current.

This source is a unnatural, neurological irritant; interupting nerve transmissions, that interfer with optic and brain functioning, sometimes causing migraines or seizures.

I get migraines from fluorescent lights, if they are too close, and too bright. In fact, to avoid migraines at work, with combined irritants of the computer screen and fluorescent lights, I need to wear those big polarized (cuts glare) sunglasses (fit over regular glasses) that block light from tops and sides (like mountain climbing glasses), to be free of these debilitating headaches.

I relate to the trigger aspect of fluorescent lights, too. They are not in my home, for this reason.

I'm all for walking in winter; when bundled up, I love the cold air, the interesting view of bare branches upon the sky, and the brisk wind upon my face.

Helpful thoughts! There are healthier ways.

 

[franciemarnie]

Wow! How interesting that it isn't just me and memories, but also a bio reaction to that particular light.

Another winter I worked in a dark-ish office but there was an extremely warm bright light - halogen - on my desk and that was helpful too.

"They" say twenty minutes exposure to natural light and I think double if it's cloudy, will go a long way (stimulates body to make Vitamin D for one). We have a large deck in our building and even when it's freezing, I put my Air Force issue parka circa 1965 on and stand out there for 20 minutes, especially when I am down low. It helps significantly.

 

[Britt.f7]

For the PTSD? I'm not so sure. I do believe it helped some of my depression. I know my therapist suggested what franciemarnie does, go out, even if to just stand there, once a day to get the fresh air and light. She believes it will help my seclusion too.

 

[Leah123]

I purchased a full-spectrum anti-SAD type desk lamp about a month ago. I find it helpful, calming. I am not sure how it affects my PTSD if at all, except that the shadows of fall disturb me, remind me of something unpleasant, and the light helps banish those, so... I guess it is helpful a little for the PTSD too.