Do Lights Work for S.A.D./Winter Depression? (Madison: buying, live)

[sailing_st_croix]

Hi. I have an opportunity to move back to Madison from Florida. The ONLY thing holding me back is the long periods of darkness due to both shorter winter days and the high number of overcast/dreary days. It puts my depression into overdrive.

When the sun is out, I feel like anything is possible. Where I live now has about 300 days of sunshine each year.

Does anyone have any experience using those special lights? Do they really help? I'm wondering if I could actually live back there during the winters again and feel alive, or if the lights only have a limited effect.

Anyone with any similar experience, please let me know if you were able to notice a difference.

Thanks in advance!

[jazzmanjoe123]

I have a friend who uses an Ion Therapy Lamp and he's happy with the purchase.

[amysherman]

I have never lived in the sunshine state, but I do have a light and I really think it helps. However, I have found that getting outside and doing something for 20 minutes each day helps more than the light does. Some days it's really hard to go outside (i.e. when it's 7 degrees), but it makes such a huge difference I decided that it was worth it. I try and get out for a walk or ski or sometimes just shoveling is enough. Hope this helps!
Good luck with your decision.

[ranger17]

just make sure when you see the sun come up and it looks beautiful outside.... that you do heed the weather forecast and dress for it. Some days that sun did make it reasonable to go out and do something in the cold. Other days, well that sun would be deceiving and a cold reality would slap you right across that bare face lol.

All the years we were up there, even when we were not happy and knew we were relocating, we never tried any indoor lamps to copy the sun's effects. But yes if the weather permits and you get some fresh air, that can make a difference even if temporary. Heck no different then down here; a few days of overcast/rain/"cold" and when the sun does break it always feels good to get out in it.

[Ragnar]

I never really had problems with winter when I was younger, but as they years have passed I've noticed a clear mood change during the winter months. My wife is also the same way, so we've considered trying those lights. However the problem for us is the amount of time recommended to spend in front of them each day. We have too much going on to spend 30-60 minutes each day looking at a light.

If your job/life opportunity is too good to pass up, there may be ways to make Madison work for you, and you are aware of the risk. But if you are generally happy in FL, you may not wish to purposefully put a big obstacle to life enjoyment in your way. Only you know your situation the best.

[Milwaukee City]

I heard they work and I thought about buying some lights as well, for now I make sure I take my one a day vitamin and separate vitamin D pills. I have also heard people taking 5 HTP as well for this condition.

[ranger17]

guess one just has to embrace all they can when they relocate. At least the OP is familiar with Madison and what it has to offer; though i'd still think that going back from FL may still take some time to adjust again. Heck as we've only been in SC 3 years after moving from Madison area it didnt take long for us to acclimate to the warm/hot weather down here. To the point that while we know 20 above zero is not bitter cold, we sure as heck dont miss the real cold and snow and would never move back.
Just seems odd to have to use false lighting to try and pull one out of a deep funk. If they work and honestly help then that's obviously better then dealing with depression. But it's almost like knowing you have to take a pill to get over something.