As the winter months come, it is excellent to know the fact that there is a mental disorder that can affect us all in this season: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). (SAD). You may not have heard about it, but for the ones who suffer from SAD, the winter months are not so full of happiness and joy. Instead, in severe cases, the patients who suffer from this mental disorder may need to be hospitalized. SAD can degenerate, driving innocent people to suicide. This specific aspect has made scientists and doctors to come up with new methods of treatment for this mental disorder.

In order to know SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), we must first know and identify the main signs that can show us if a person suffers or not from it. The most vital symptoms of Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder are:

Feeling blue, mental depression
Sudden energy level drops, lethargic
Decreased Concentration & Poor Performance at school or work
Tendency to become isolated and avoid social situations
Inexplicable changes in sleeping and waking patters
Irritability
Weight Gain

These symptoms usually appear in the winter period. It is mainly due to the fact that the days become shorter and the nights longer, so the number of daylight hours becomes shorter.

If you feel that you already have these symptoms, it will be a smart thing to contact a specialized doctor. There are also some SAD desk lamps that are able to fight with the mental disorder. Basically, the patient needs to regularly look at or be in the presence of the desk lamp. In this way, the natural sunlight is imitated, together with its properties. On the mental state, natural sunlight has an vital impact. This is why, SAD desk lamps are recommended when facing with depressions and similar mental disorders, and this affirmation is made without any kind of doubt.

LED SUNRISE ALARM CLOCK WITH NATURE SOUNDS. The most natural way to wake up in the morning

Full spectrum lighting, is a fantastic way to extend your day when you are doing arts and crafts.

These lights are quite often bought as desk lamps, but give off the same light as daylight, which is fantastic if you are a night owl, or like to work on your craft after dark.

Depending on where you live, this can happen in September and October, and with the changing seasons, it drastically cuts back on your available daylight hours for making!

If like me, you tend to be busy with life during the daylight hours, then you are faced with doing your making after dinner or even later, and its just too hard on the eyes. Or what you reckon looked fantastic before you went to bed.. had a whole different look the next morning!.. These lights cost a small more, but they are long lasting, and its worth it. They really help with eye strain when you are doing close up work. If you do very fine work, then the combination of excellent full spectrum lighting and those magnifying glasses you can get for very fine crafts works fantastic, and you are not seeing double when you are finished.

If you are just making your studio space now, possible look into getting some permanently installed, but if like me, you are taking over the corner of the basement, then at least get a desk lamp or a floor lamp that shines in your work space… Regular overhead fluorescent lights or regular bulb lighting make seem like enough light, but you will see the difference straight away with the full spectrum lighting.

Some people, also have distress with the shorter days, causing all kinds of physical ailments, such as fatigue and depression, these lights are quite often prescribed for this condition called SAD (seasonal affected disorder).. but the benefit to the crafter or hobbyist is fantastic as well, as it mimics daylight and is the closest you are going to get, it keeps your colors crisp, especially if you paint or needlepoint..

Keep these lights in mind when making your studio, it will extend your daylight hours, fantastic for your crafts, and fantastic for YOU!

At the beginning of the 1980’s in the United States Professor Rosenthal learned the benefits of light therapy lamps.  At first they were used in cases of seasonal depression also called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  Light therapy is today practised in a number of hospitals a number of pathologies, but mostly with distress linked to the upset of the biological clock (circadian rhythm problems) like insomnia and generally distress sleeping.

Light therapy reveals its effectiveness in numerous cases, and helps to quickly find energy when a lower morale lets us feel the changes in the seasons.

Light therapy lamps and seasonal depression or SAD.  The principal symptoms of winter season depression start to show at the end of summer when the days start to grow small and become dull as there is less light it is the seasonal change that affects a number of people.

In a number of cases it is Winter Blues which we all suffer from in one way or another, it is a simpler version of winter depression, and this in no way stops us from continuing with our daily lives.

In the cases of SAD people will suffer from a depressive state, tiredness and will have a tendancy to isolate themselves socially.  Also noticing a significant rise in their appetite with a tendancy to gain weight or even bulemia due to sweet foods, gloomy humour a tendancy of insomnia and an excessive need of sleep, loss of concentration and motivation with a loss of interest and a loss of out place.  The people suffering from seasonal depression do not automatically show symptoms, this is why it is vital to contact a doctor for a check up.  The signs of this depression disappear with the arrival of gorgeous days and sunlight.

Light therapy lamps : How does it work?

Light therapy consists of facing a light therapy lamp which transmits light to the eyes. The intensity of the light should be between 2500 and 10 000 lux (light units).  It is the retina via the neurotransmittors that inhibit the melatonin, a sleep hormone which is at the root of the problems linked to a loss of light.  This homone is normally secreted at night for us to sleep. The fact that this sleeping drug is naturally blocked during the day helps us to find out natural energy.

How to use the light therapy lamps

First you have to remember that light therapy lamps used as treatment in hospitals and at home respond in the same way as any normal medecine.  This is why you should verify that the lamps have an agreed EU license.

The origin of light therapy lamps are reserved for medical use (by a GP or at the hospital).  Today light therapy lamps may be used at home, at the office in response to normal usage.

The power will be the first factor in the choice of a lamp, of course the more powerful the lamp the more the use will be a greater comfort.

Each session should be done in the morning.  The user must place the lamp at eye height or just underneath the eyes.  It is not necessary to look at the lamp but it is vital that the retina swims in the light coming from the light therapy.

The length of the session must be between 30 minutes and 2 hours (30 minutes at 10 000 lux or 2500 lux for 2 hours).

The effects on the morale can be felt quite quickly, from the first couple of days, but may take 10 days for others.

There are very small indications against light therapy but it is vital to consult a doctor when the person suffers with their eyes or is taking photosensitive medication.

You will find all the information you need on light therapy and seasonal depression at Solvital light therapy

Light therapy, a method clinically backed by data investigated for over two decades, is used to treat a depression called seasonal affective disorder or SAD. For this, a device called a light therapy box is mainly used usually for approximately 30 minutes daily. The function of the light therapy is to cause a change in the brain by mimicking outdoor light that would liven up the mood of the person affected and reduce the symptoms of the depression. The light used is generally 25 times as bright as normal room light. A study published by Dr. Michael Terman uses an apparatus with fluorescent bulbs which disallow UV radiation through a filter, leaving out unpleasant glare. This when applied as treatment on SAD patients upon awakening found it better than those who used it in the evening. Another group of thirteen specialists from Canada issued guidelines for treating SAD. These professional guidelines include conclusions like 10,000 lux for 30 minutes per day using a light therapy box as a starting dose. If a light box emanates 2,500 lux, it would require two responses in a day. The therapy should start early morning where it would maximize response which would usually show within a week, but may be effective from week four in some cases. The side effects of such therapy could include headache, strain on the eyes, nausea and agitation. Generally mild in nature, these effects disappear with reducing the dose of light.

The therapy boxes are also called light boxes, bright light therapy boxes and phototherapy boxes. The Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) recommends requirements for effective therapy as many products in the market claiming to be proficient to help SAD may not be so. These include things like checking whether the product is tested through trials under peer-reviews. One should also verify specifications of the product like whether or not it has a sufficient output like an illumination of 10,000 lux at a comfortable sitting distance.

In a light therapy box, the UV filters if faulty could cause harm to the eyes and skin by allowing UV rays to pass through. The fluorescent lamps should therefore have a diffusing panel and should give off white light rather than a colored light. A compact light box is also not as efficient in therapy as the small head movements render the eyes out of the range of therapy. The angle at which the light reaches the eyes, if projected downward, minimizes glare leading to less eye strain.

Such things recommended by the CET should be kept in mind while buying light boxes for therapy. The quantity rather than the quality is effective in the therapy of seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a particular kind of major depression that recurs at certain times of the year; most commonly in the fall, from September through to November. The symptoms show signs of abating from around March through May.

People who suffer from SAD are affected by the amount of daylight exposure they receive. The hormone melatonin, which helps regulate hormone secretion, body temperature and sleep, is produced in the brain during hours of darkness. The decrease in daylight hours in autumn and winter causes an increased production of melatonin in SAD sufferers, which results in the onset of debilitating symptoms of depression. Exposure to bright light is effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder.

The incidence of SAD as well as its severity is influenced by several factors including geographical location, family history of SAD, recent illness or spending a major part of the day in a windowless room. Light therapy works on the principle that exposure to bright light can suppress the production of melatonin in the brain, which regulates the internal clock of the body and reduces symptoms.

A light box is a small portable device that is comprised of fluorescent tubes or bulbs. It is specially designed to provide a precise amount of balanced spectrum light that is equivalent to being out in the sun on a clear, sunny spring day. In mimicking outdoor light, the light box causes biochemical changes in the brain that help in synchronizing wake/sleep patterns, regulating the body clock and relieving symptoms of SAD.

During Light Box Therapy the user is required to sit directly in front of the light box at a specific distance, which depends upon the required intensity. For light therapy to be effective it is necessary for the light from the light box to enter the eyes indirectly. Just exposing the skin to the light does not have the same effect. Looking directly into the light can hurt the eyes and is not advisable, except in a few patients who are questioned to look into the light for brief moments before looking away again. But, sunglasses are not to be worn during light therapy as it blocks the light from entering the eye, adversely affecting the effectiveness of the therapy.

Light therapy is now considered a standard treatment for SAD. It offers numerous potential benefits for SAD sufferers especially for those who are averse to taking antidepressants or for those tried antidepressants and found them ineffective.

Seasonal affective disorder also called winter depression, winter blues or the hibernation reaction is a type of depression that arises as the days become shorter in the winter. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is said to grow from insufficient bright light during the winter months which is natural. It has been proved that bright light in the winter or the fall months tend to alter the chemicals in some people’s brains. SAD is mostly found in people who live in places that are away from the equator. Seasonal affective disorder can occur in people of any age and is found more in women than men. But, researchers are still searching to find the exact reason about how this occurs and the details behind this disorder.

SAD symptoms are different in different seasons. In winter, the symptoms are usually tiredness, fatigue, depression, crying spells, irritability, distress concentrating, body aches, loss of sex drive, poor sleep, decreased activity level, and weight gain. While in summer, the symptoms include insomnia, poor appetite, weight loss, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and crying spells. Sometimes seasonal affective disorder can also bring thoughts of suicide in minds of the patient. There is a treatment that is given to people who are suffering from seasonal affective disorder, and it is called light therapy.

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves light boxes which are kept in use for approximately 30 minutes every day in the morning and evening for best results. Light therapy also involves some side effects, but is the best way to treat seasonal affective disorder. The side effects of light therapy include insomnia, headaches and eyestrains. Apart from using these light boxes the other way in which seasonal therapy disorder can be cured is by using some class of medications like fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and citalopram. These medications also come with some side-effects that include insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, decrease in sex drive, etc. Physiotherapy can also be counted as one of the cures of seasonal affective disorder. For pregnant women who suffer for seasonal affective disorder, medications should be used with particular care. For them, it is prescribed to use acupuncture as a cure.

Depression is a problem that affects over 5% of adults each year. While traditional pharmaceutical treatment is available for, many people can treat their depression with alternative treatments. This article discusses several alternative treatments for depression.

Depression is defined as a persistent mental disorder presenting with depressed mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt, sleep and appetite disturbance, and inability to care for oneself. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that women have a lifetime risk of becoming depressed of over 20% while men have a lifetime risk of around 7%. Traditional treatment often involves psychotherapy and prescription medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, Serotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOs). While these medications are generally effective, they often take several months or longer to work, have unpleasant side effects and are only recommended for moderate to severe depression. Alternative treatments for depression can be helpful for milder depressive episodes and can work alongside traditional treatment for more severe cases.

Numerous studies have shown that 20 to 30 minutes of exercise several times per week can have a lifting effect on the mood, even in cases of depression. While it may be hard to get going, once a person with depression motivates themselves to start a regimen of exercise, his or her mood will likely improve. The chosen regimen should be as simple as possible to decrease the chance of failure. This can be something as simple as a vigorous walk or performing a routine along with a DVD or television program or even something as silly as dancing to a favorite CD. Increasing the heart rate has been shown to release endorphins which are “feel excellent” chemicals in the body.

Light therapy has also been used to treat depression. Particularly useful in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), light therapy focuses on exposure to full spectrum light, especially natural sunlight for several hours each day. There is a suspected link between Vitamin D deficiency and depression. Natural sunlight exposure will increase the amount of Vitamin D produced in the body. Regular exposure to natural light does not require “sunbathing” just opening the curtains or spending time outdoors and should be obtained year-round.

Dietary supplementation has also been used to boost the Serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is one of the major neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and is also vital in quality sleep. St. Johns Wort has been used as an herbal supplement and is thought to act similarly to some antidepressants. Another dietary supplement called 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and is believed by many to work quite quickly in relieving symptoms of depression. Some natural health experts have even recommended adding foods high in the amino acid L-Tryptophan such as turkey or baked potatoes to the evening meal to boost Serotonin levels.

While depression will continue to plague many, it is clear there are alternative treatments available. Three of the best options appear to be exercise, light therapy and dietary supplementation.

Light is very vital for our mental and physical health. Without sufficient light many people suffer from depression and ailments that they cannot really pinpoint. Depression can give rise to many ailments and can even develop into more serious mental problems.

Now there are several ways to combat this problem:

Light box therapy: (Phototherupy) this type of general therapy is also known as bright light therapy. Phototherupy requires the patient to sit near a fluorescent light box that simulates sunlight. Ideally, the light should be 2,500 lux to be effective, and daily exposure is recommended. A doctor will prescribe the right exposure strength and duration.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: The problem with depression in winter is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It is a known fact that many people get very depressed in winter time when there is less light, and even go so far to say that they are feeling less energetic and just not well. This condition can also give rise to overeating and a whole new set of problems. There are special light boxes for this disorder. They are called SAD light boxes. Again, before starting therapy consult your doctor.

Sleep and jet lag: Light boxes can help sleep disorders and jetlag. These devices can simulate daylight and nighttime, which helps people adjust to regular sleep hours. These light boxes help to reset the body’s clock that determines when you will sleep. This is very vital as lack of sleep can cause serious accidents while driving and interference with many facets of your life.

Dementia and Alzheimer: With these disorders, the body’s natural clock or circadian rhythms gets disrupted, due to nerve and brain hurt. This is further aggravated by poor sight in the elderly, which means that normal indoor light may not be sufficient for them to determine the difference between night and day. Light boxes are being used in experiments to see if the sleep and activity cycles can be improved with these patients.

Skin problems: Some skin problems such as: stretch marks, patches of psoriasis, vitiligo, and pale scars may be helped with UVB or UVAI light. These are the types of lights that tanning beds use. Caution should be taken to only focus the light on the skin to be treated and to avoid hurt to normal skin. Be careful not to overexpose.

Colored lights: (Intense pulsed light therapy). Different colored floodlights are used for this light therapy. Different colors are thought to be better for different problems, for example: 1. Blue is excellent for helping to ruin acne bacteria 2. Green lights help with pigmentation problems, like age spots and liver spots. 3. Yellow is thought to aid vascular problems, such as rosacea and thread veins. 4. Green and yellow light is said to help fine lines and wrinkles. 5. Red is meant to help arthritis when directed at the exact point. It is also thought to be excellent for headaches.

Diagnosing Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be rather hard because it is hard to distinguish it from other forms of depression. Before doctors can do diagnoses on a patient, typically they will have to rule out other medical conditions. SAD is not necessarily a separate mood disorder from major depression or bipolar disorder and therefore it can be diagnosed as a subtype of each of these.

Diagnosing seasonal affective disorder correctly depends on whether:

- the patient has experienced depression and other symptoms for a minimum two

consecutive years and during the same season;

- whether or not those periods of depression have been followed by periods without

depression;

- and ruling out other explanations for the changes in their mood

The doctor will do a complete physical examination and will do a thorough medical history on the patient. It is absolutely critical to share your information with the doctor and you must make sure that you are following their recommendations exactly so that you are able to make it through this tough time. Most likely they will question many questions about your mood, seasonal changes in your thoughts and behavior, your lifestyle and social situation, as well as your sleeping and eating patterns.

As stated earlier…diagnosing SAD is very hard because its symptoms often mimic other types of depression. But rest assured that doctors have guidelines, developed by the American Psychiatric Association, that help them to diagnose the disorder. If you are not sure of your doctor’s opinion you most certainly will want to get a second opinion, especially if you do not agree with his diagnoses.

Usually the depressive symptoms of SAD start during fall or winter, and end when spring arrives. During other months of the year a person’s mood might be normal, or will not meet criteria for clinical depression. Those who have SAD will have a have a lack of energy or feel sluggish during the winter months. In addition, they may sleep more than usual, overeat and gain weight, or they may have a craving for carbohydrates. Women have seasonal affective disorder at a rate of 60%-90% of those affected. SAD rates are higher in those who live at higher altitudes and occur more frequently in younger people, often beginning in a person’s twenties.

Typically the treatments will vary from patient to patient for seasonal affective disorder. Most people will feel differently when they are going through the disorder and no two cases are alike. Once the doctor has eliminated everything else, only then can they start the right type of treatment for a patient allowing them get on the right track for a better and more efficient lifestyle.