SADD that time of the year

[michelem]

TahoeDirtGirl,

I HEAR YOU!!! I have the same problem. Last year my doc recommended light therapy. I bogged myself down with researching and never bought anything (they are EXPENSIVE). However, this year I am going to do it. This is what she prescribed: "High intensity (10,000 lux), broad spectrum lights 30 min. exposure to your pupils at dawn and dusk (as a minimum) or visor most of the time."

A tanning bed is not going to do it, besides the fact that it raises your risk of skin cancer. Also, 30 minutes outdoors isn't going to do it either here in Northern California . . . especially during rainy/foggy season. The sun just isn't intense enough during winter months if you have diagnosable SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Good luck to you! I'm hoping that my flexible spending account will reimburse me since it is prescribed by my doc, but I've heard it is VERY difficult to get the lights covered by insurance or FSA's.