Lights may help sufferers of the ‘winter blues’

It’s like a big bright suitcase, and you need to sit close to fully reap the benefits.

The briefcase is a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) light box. According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD is a form of depression characterized by a wide array of symptoms: increased desire to eat sweets or carbohydrates, anxiety, social withdrawal, hypersomnia (oversleeping), weight gain, and difficulty concentrating or processing information. A study done by Carla Hellekson, M.D. even suggests that a decreased libido may be a side effect. SAD affects twice as many women as men, totaling at least ten percent of Alaskans every year.

For some individuals with SAD symptoms, a light box can jumpstart the day or simply reduce SAD symptoms. The UAF Center for Health and Counseling loans light boxes to students. Susan Hollensbe, Ph.D., a counselor at the health center, recommends using the light box in the morning; you can start slow with 10-15 minutes of use and gradually increase. It’s best to use the light the same time everyday. Students come in for an evaluation to see if the light boxes would help. Light boxes are not for everyone. As Hollensbe points out, the light boxes could potentially trigger migraines, especially if someone regularly suffers from them.

While the boxes are not a quick fix, they can be a step in the right direction. A study done by Hellekson suggested that 60 percent of patients showed significant improvement within the first week, with a faster and better response than anti-depressant medication. If you and a UAF Health Center counselor decide the light box would be a useful tool to help alleviate SAD symptoms, you get the light for one week to try it out. There are nine light boxes available at the UAF Health Center. The light boxes can also be found on craigslist, eBay, and locally at the electric supply company. They run about $160 and up. There are also other ways to ease the tensions associated with SAD, like working out and regularly planning and participating in social activities.

Hollensby reminds patients that there are “many emotional ups and downs being a student.” If you get SAD or the winter blues, be proactive. Be sure to talk to a health professional if symptoms interrupt daily behaviors.