Quote Originally Posted by Kalidurga View Post
That's it exactly. It's very easy to recommend that someone with SADD just go spend some time outside
I'm also a SADD sufferer, and I've read up a lot on the problem. It may seem like a simple answer, but being outside on a gloomy/rainy day actually nets you more lumens than being indoors by a lamp. An overcast day is about 1,000 lumens; the average lamp is about 100. Even 10 minutes of outdoor light can improve your mood. This does seem to be a particularly bad year, tho, because it's been so cold!

I personally use a Verilux light, especially on overcast days. I found a 10,000 lumen light on Amazon for only $130 (with a sale); they also have 5,000 lumen lights for less than $100. The difference is the amount of time it takes to get the benefit. With a 5,000 lumen light you might need to spend several hours using it; with a 10,000 lumen light 30 to 90 minutes will do the trick. Contrary to what you see on tv, you don't sit staring into it or (worse still) sit in front of it with your eyes closed. You can read, do your makeup, eat breakfast, etc. The only limit is that you don't want to use it too late at night because it will throw off your circadian rhythms and you'll wind up with insomnia. I like to use it in my bathroom while I get ready for work in the morning, because the light bouncing off the mirrors amplifies the effect.

I've found a combination of vitamins and calcium helps a lot, too, especially D3, B-50 and folic acid. (All of which you'll find in a good multivitamin.) Hope this helps.