Does anyone use a SAD lamp? Opinions?

[Fordian]

Today I hit a bit of a wall. I cannot 'do' this relentless grim gloom any more. The sun hasn't broken through for weeks and weeks, and it's getting me down. I think I may be developing SAD.

So I'm thinking about getting one of those bright lights to see if that helps.

Has anyone tried one, and how did you go?

TIA.

[meanddaisy]

I bought a Lumie to try to help but it hasn’t really. I need natural light.

[Fordian]

How did you use it? When and for how long?

I admit I'm a bit sceptical!

And thanks for your input!

[PinkBuffalo]

I use one at my desk at work I just got one off Amazon last November cos I felt the same
I cannot say it is life changing but having it on most of the day at work has seemed to help a little bit
If it is a placebo I am happy with that and that it only just under £30

[Onthegrid]

Using a lumie is like looking at the sun, doesn’t work for me, I want to wear sunglasses and end up with a headache

[Fordian]

Thanks.

I'm trying to work out how I'd use one. I work Mon-Weds, where I roll out of bed, and leave for work 25 mins later having showered, hair washed, dressed, ate and gone, so unless I got SAD goggles, not chance to use then! And I'm in a fast paced HCP job where I just couldn't use it, 9-5, on those days. But the other 4, I could, I guess.

[Fordian]

I just want some sun.

Preferably on the Valencian coast. With a shimmering infinity pool before me. Framed by the Med.

[GoBrookeYourself]

I feel the same as you OP. I hate winter, the gloominess of it, the never ending dark, the bitter cold. I spend too much time looking on Zillow at homes in California and making plans to live there that I know will never come to fruition lol.

I have one of the SAD lights. I got it the year before last when I started anti depressants and used the light religiously every day during winter. If I’m honest I don’t think it really helped, I didn’t bother the winter after that or this winter, partly because of the amount of time it takes (if I remember correctly you need to sit in front of it for half an hour and I can’t find the time now). Maybe try one second hand as I heard it raved about on here which is the whole reason I tried it. Hope you feel better soon, the longest nights are behind us and it’ll be our (usually rainy anyway) summer soon.

Whatever you do don’t watch million dollar listing LA. It’ll make you hate this weather even more!

[Fordian]

I mean, FFS.

[PinkBuffalo]

Sorry op did not realise you were a hcp!
I not really know I spend all winter waiting for spring I hate the dark, the rain and the cold
I will come on sunny holiday with you though to get away from it!

[PastySausageRollSamosa]

What’s your Vitamin D3 level?

I used to suffer from SAD alongside a chronic connective tissue condition and my rheumatologist put me on Hux D3 daily for a month. It’s very high dosage Vitamin D3 but you can buy it at Tesco or Asda pharmacy without a prescription. Helped my chronic illness and got rid of the SAD altogether.

[Fordian]

I'm also considering Vit D as well.

[TabithaTittlemouse]

As a fellow hcp, bit d is essential! Especially if you work on a ward. I drive to and from work in the dark, I don’t see day light throughout my shift.
Try it!

Oh and book a holiday

[ikeairgin]

I do get SAD, grew up in much sunnier climate and the SAD lamp was next to useless.
I religiously go for a walk at midday every day
Take vitamin D (You can have this checked via a blood sample)
Try and fit in a winter sun holiday (Haven't for two years)
Keep stress down to manageable levels
Eat well and exercise regularly
All help to some degree, all obviously not able to do everything all the time, because that would be perfect and I'm human - but I practice as often as I can the above.

[Shitzngiggles]

I've never understood how these lamps are supposed to be any good. I mean they can't replace the lovely long daylight hours, the feeling of warm sunshine, the not having to put on layer upon layer of clothing, having doors and windows open, blue skies instead of constant miserable grey skies, not having to change clothes just to walk the dogs, having to clean and dry the dogs after walks, I could go on . As you can tell I'm a summer woman and find this time of year so utterly depressing.

[AgnesNaismith]

I normally find this time of year horribly depressing too…starting now and peaking in the middle of March

DH bought me a SAD lamp for Christmas and will try vit D3 too but sadly it’s the exercise and going outside regardless of the weather that actually helps. Which is unfortunate because all winter makes me want to do is curl up in a ball and hibernate.

Countdown to spring starts now….

[Fordian]

Thanks everyone.

[Fordian]

And- the sun shone today. We took our older DS back to uni. It was cold, 5 degrees, buttressing shone down; I felt happier.

[Fordian]

But the sun shone down. Tho I love buttressing, especially flying buttresses! Which you only get in cold, northern climes.

[Themadcatparade]

@Fordian winters are painful for me, have been since I was younger. I have bipolar but it is pretty seasonal. I have found that a mix of light exercise (I yoga or swim if I can), eating better, getting out at lunchtime and vitamin d (especially) is probably the most effective combination.

It's supposed to brighten up a little this week if you are in the U.K., something to look forward to!

[Ladyrattles]

I charge myself up (as I like to call it) using my SAD lamp. I used to use it solely in the winter but now I always have mine pointing at me on my desk for a few hours a day (but not directly in my eyes). I don't take VitD every day as it upsets my tummy so using a lamp is essential for me as I don't get outside every day.

[Seriouslymole]

I have one languishing in my basement which I am happy to send you for postage costs if you would like it. That is me basically telling you
it did nothing for me and actually gave me quite a bad headache.
November is generally my worst month as at least in January you’re in the same year as spring (if that makes any form of sense - it tries in my little head).

Seriously though - the offer of the lamp is there.
PM me if you want to try it without shelling out
to buy one.

[SilverHairedCat]

See, my SAD lamps have stopped me bring suicidal in winter for the last ten years. Bloody brilliant bits of kit, but I do use it a LOT so perhaps I'm seeing more of an effect than some people. I

It's currently my desk lamp for WFH, so I'm near it for 7+hrs a day, and turn it towards me occasionally.

When I was on shift work and saw no daylight for weeks at a time, it was a godsend. I used it then as a living room lamp and had it to the side of me when watching TV etc. So again, a few hours a day where possible.

I've always had Lumie lamps, I'm on my 3rd as the one I have now is small enough to stick in my overnight bag when I have to be away for work.

Vitamin D and St John's Wort have also been brilliant the last few years and I only had a dip over Xmas this year for the first time in a long time because I didn't use my lamp when on leave at Xmas. I'm remember next time.

I'm sure Lumie do a 45 day trial so if you've had no joy in a month, just send it back.

[SilverHairedCat]

Also, I have chronic migraine and it doesn't affect them at all - if I have a bad head, I can't look at it obviously but I deflect it against the wall so still get some benefits without it staring me in the face.

[Greybeardy]

Never used a proper SAD lamp but do use a Lumie light in winter - gradually gets brighter over about 20mins before my alarm goes off and sort of simulates dawn. Have had it for 15yrs and wouldn’t be without it (also and HCP and feel like I go weeks without seeing light sometimes!).