Preventing SAD Before it Starts

We know it's early to start thinking about Seasonal Affective Disorder. But did you know that you can start warding off symptoms simply by starting light therapy in the summer?

We believe that August is the optimal time to start plugging in your light boxes and reaping the benefits of preventative light therapy.  This will give your brain plenty of time to adjust to the new bio rhythm before the effects of shorter days start setting in.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Place the light above eye level. It's been proven that people respond better to light therapy when the bulb is placed above them, rather than at eye level or below. So reach up and hang that box where it'll be the most effective!
• Use your light in the morning. The optimal time to engage in light therapy is about 8-9 hours after your brain starts releasing melatonin; in other words, when you start to get tired and ready for bed. Most people would benefit from starting their therapy when they first wake up, which is usually somewhere between 4am and 9am. Not sure what your body's sleep cycle is? Take the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and find out!
• Take it slow. You might be tempted to spend hours in front of your therapy light, especially if you've been feeling extra low lately. Resist the urge to overdo it and stick to 15 minute increments at first. Eventually, your doctor may give you the green light to go for longer sessions. Too much exposure to the light can result in mania, which is particularly dangerous to people with bipolar disorder.

Remember to talk to your primary care doctor and mental health counselor before starting any kind of light therapy, and keep us posted on your progress. Good luck!