Guess what I just got in the mail? My Happy Light! Can’t wait to see if it works. At my last DBSA meeting, a couple of peers mentioned that light therapy helps them so I decided to give it another go. It affects people differently so it’s important to use light therapy with caution. Some experience mania, hyperactivity or agitation associated with bipolar disorder.
As most of us know, this time of the year can be particularly difficult for those suffering from depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). As it starts to get darker earlier in the evening and the cold sets in, it becomes more difficult to get motivated or go outside. Even people who typically do not struggle with mental disorders find themselves feeling sad or less motivated during the fall and winter months.
Perhaps that is the reason why Alaska, known for its long, dark winters, has the highest suicide rate. According to recent national data, Alaska’s suicide rate is nearly twice the national average and the leading cause of death in Alaska for people ages 15 to 24 (Epidemiology Bulletin, 2016).
Exposure to artificial light affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, which, in turn, may alleviate symptoms of depression. We’ll see!
Read more about the benefits of Using the Happy Light
C. L. Dunbar Health 
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