Tell me about Seasonal Affective Disorder

[LuvOrlando]

So my DH's office is a room without windows, which can't be healthy. I think the environment is messing with his mood, nothing severe but he's definitely less cheery and it seems to get worse in the winter months when he comes and goes in the dark. I know there are special lights available to help with SAD but I don't know where to start. Since the people of the DIS seem to be so informed about stuff and helped me pick out my DS's amazing new portable nebulizer I figured this would be a good place to start and benefit from other people's experiences.

 

[luvmythree]

I know I'm new around here but I suffer from SAD and it gets worse in the winter months. Actually I start to suffer the most right after the time change in the fall and it doesn't let up until it changes again in the spring. I bought my light at Costco and it was $130.00 and it works wonders for my mood. I can't post a link the normal way yet since I still don't have 10 posts but I'll do my best

If you go to costco.com and search for go lite it will show the newer version of the one I use.

I use it every night during the winter months. I sit it on my lap and watch tv while it shines into my eyes. When I really need it badly it makes me almost "giddy" for lack of a better word and I have really become dependent on it during those awful months.

Hope this helps.

 

[SandrA9810]

It's actually very beneficial to get out and get some sunlight. But during the winter months and working long hours in an enclosed office, I can understand not getting enough sunlight. It sounds crazy this day and age, but it wasn't that long ago that most people spent a lot of time outside. Winter daylight time is short enough, and if they live in a cold region then taking a walk in the dark isn't such a great idea.

You should also suggest to your husband to go outside during his lunch break to eat lunch. It's so easy to get in the habit of lounging in the break room. Even if he sits in the car to keep warm, at least he'll be in the sunshine.

And just as many precautions need to be taken for those working outside all day. You have to do things to help keep from overheating and protecting your skin.

Too much of either isn't a good thing, but it can be hard to keep it balanced with work and other things.

 

[laurie31]

Where I work, only the very high-up administrators have windows. I would kill for a window. Often I have no clue it's even raining much less storming until they announce a tornado watch over the PA. Going out to the car isn't an option either - our parking garage is connected to the building by a tunnel, and you don't really get any light in there either.

People who work 7am-7pm often never see the light of day during the winter on days they work. So "just get outside into the light" isn't really an option for some people.

My DH doesn't have a window either, but he can go outside to eat lunch. I can't.

However, it doesn't really bother me, I am a night owl and like it that way, but I do believe it does bother some people. I don't think it's "made up." OP, I hope you get some good advice about a light your DH can keep at work to help him.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

The latest medical recommendation is to get 30 minutes of sunlight a day, without sunglasses. It is the primary source of Vitamin D and it helps with the balance of Melatonin and Serotonin which affect mood. Can your DH get out of the office during lunch, or breaks and just get out in the Sun? Even if it's 10 min., 3 times during the day, it will help.

Those lights do help too, if you don't have any other option.