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Light Treatments for Depression: Bright Light Treatments Lifts Mood
So many options for the treatment of Depression are available today and advances are continually being made. One form of Depression is SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Due to the lack of exposure to sunlight, especially during late Fall and Winter, many people become depressed and they may not realize exactly why they are so low when winter rolls around. It is particularly prevalent in Alaska where there is darkness for half a year and daylight for half a year.
Light treatments for Depression are probably one of the safest treatments available. The user sits in front of the unit with the light shining in their eyes. There are a number of different light therapies available and they are briefly discussed below.
Fluorescent Light Box - has an intensity of 2,500 - 11,000 lux where the user is about 1 to 2 inches away from the box.
Light Intensity - this is also used at a particular distance.
Light weight portable boxes - these are mounted on a stand for easy use.
Full Spectrum Light is not necessary; The intensity is the most important aspect of light therapy.
Balance of spectrum light minus UV-B emissions are ideal.
Your symptoms and diagnosis will tell doctors which type of light therapy may be the best choice for you.
SAD - Season Affective Disorder has some of the same components of other disorders and may respond to other types of treatments for Depression. Other treatments include holistic treatments, traditional medications and psychotherapy, and herbal treatments to name a few.
Many people turn to natural means of treatments. The impetus for this is that the costs of anti-depressant medication are astronomical. The other major reason is because they want to avoid the very serious side effects that can occur with anti-depressive medications. A natural option for depression treatment is herbal supplementation.
The use of herbs in various forms has been around for centuries. Shaman and men from ancient tribes used herbs in tribal rituals and in healing as well. Certain herbs such as Milk Thistle, Chamomile and Valerian are known for their ability to lift one's mood.
These and other herbs together with vitamins, minerals, and other nutritive substances are blended into a precise formula to get the best possible relief from your depressive symptoms.
Herbal supplements should be of pharmacy grade and each ingredient's metabolic pathways should be tested at the molecular level, along with monitoring the interaction of the ingredients in order to ensure the potency and effectiveness. If you purchase a supplement made in this manner, you can be assured you are getting exactly what the labels says you are.
No matter what course of treatment you choose, or whether you and your doctor decide on a multi-modal approach to treating your depression, all options should be discussed so that you can make an educated decision. For those with SAD - Season Affective Disorder, getting the right kind of light treatment is essential.
