The Sunshine Vitamin and Depression
October 24, 2013Couples and Conflict
January 6, 2014SEASONAL DEPRESSION & LIGHT BOX RECOMMENDATIONS
At your request, we often repost recommendations for seasonal depression and light therapy. There are many lightboxes on the market so we wanted to give you some recommendations if you decide you want to purchase one.
- Some good companies are: SunBox (usually most trusted), Bio-Brite, Bio-Light, Apollo Health, Philips, and Verilux
- Look for a company with at least a 30-day guarantee to give you time to try out light therapy
- 10,000 lux bulb is recommended
- Basic features: filter for UV rays, fluorescent bulbs, and a plastic diffuser
- There are two types of lights: white versus blue
- The bright white light has been researched longer and has shown little to no side effects. Blue light is not recommended at this time.
- Higher-quality boxes should cost between $200.00 -$350. However, you can find smaller boxes ranging between $40.00 – $150.00.
Some insurance companies may cover part or all of the cost of a lightbox if a person has been diagnosed with SAD. Please talk to your medical professional about the required documentation to support that the diagnosis has been present for at least two years.
Remember there are additional recommendations including counseling, exercise, general body movement and stretching, proper diet and weight control, Vit D, and massage therapy. Please discuss your symptoms with a medical provider to determine if you need additional recommendations.