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Alternative Treatment Options for Seasonal DepressionThe Happy Light for Treating Seasonal Depression A “Happy Light” is a light that has a similar affect on someone as would the sunlight. This light is much brighter than indoor light, and is often used to treat conditions of depression such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). A Happy Light gives off a measurement of 10,000 lux, which is about the minimum measurement of light that sunlight gives of during the brightest times of the day. This is quite a bit more bright than the average light in any given indoor household room which usually only averages a measurement of 20 to 50 lux. In brightly-lit commercial establishments such as grocery stores or shopping malls the measurement of light is only about 100-500 lux. Since the illumination in a home or commercial establishment is so much dimmer than outside, the average amount of light that a person receives in a day is nearly 10,000 times lower than that of what the sunlight gives off. The exact average amount of illumination measured for each person fluctuates between less than 100 to as high as bout 500 lux. Again, this is an extremely low amount of light. Many studies have been conducted to see if lack of light or insufficient exposure to light would lead to depression. After a series of careful study evidence has shown that there is indeed a connection. Those who have been exposed to the least amount of light are those who are the most depressed. Scientists and medical doctors have used this information to help create a way for people to receive a different kind of therapy for depression. That is the use of what people now commonly call the Happy Light, which is the device that is mentioned in this article. When a person is prescribe the use of a Happy Light, they will usually receive instructions on how to use it. They will also learn what precautions to take. This information is usually given by a medical doctor or a psychiatrist, or anyone else who is treating a person who has depression. The use of a Happy Light has been known to have helped many people with SAD, and with other depressive disorders. This light can sometimes take the place of an antidepressant, and sometimes is used along with medications for depression. The use of a Happy Light for the purpose of treating depression is commonly known as light therapy. This article is not meant to be used to diagnose a particular depressive condition. However, the tips in this article can help a person know if the possibility that they have a particular condition exists. After reading this article, a person who thinks he or she could benefit from the use of a Happy Light is advised to consult a doctor. Also, persons reading this must know that this article is not intended to cure any depressive disorder, but it provides as a guideline for those who are suffering from depression. It is also meant to encourage depressed people by telling them that there is hope for the condition that they battle on a daily, monthly, or even yearly basis. |
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