Does Light Therapy For Depression Work?

There can be many types of depression, but in general, symptoms can include persistent feelings of sadness, a lack or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, decreased energy, loss of concentration, and more. Light box therapy is one treatment option that may alleviate some symptoms for individuals experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or other types of depression. SAD light therapy normally consists of sitting about two feet away from a light box for about 30 minutes daily to absorb the benefits of the light. This type of light can positively affect circadian rhythms, sleep, and mood. It can be particularly effective in treating SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. However, in many cases, seasonal affective disorder light therapy can be most effective when combined with other treatment methods, such as full-spectrum light therapy and lifestyle changes. It can be possible to connect with a licensed therapist in person or online.

What Is Depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is generally a common but serious mental health disorder. It can have severe symptoms that may affect how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. These activities can range from going to work, eating, sleeping, and any social interactions. Continue reading to discover several of the potential symptoms of depression.

In addition to the foundation of a low mood, an individual who is depressed can experience a variety of symptoms, and they can mix and match in many ways. To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, there must be several persistent symptoms. Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose depression and other mental illnesses.

*If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available to assist 24/7.

What Is Light Therapy?

Light therapy, also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy, is a therapeutic method that can be used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression, and improve mood. Commercially available phototherapy devices are designed to provide convenient exposure to high intensity light (10,000 lux) to treat SAD and other mood disorders. Adjunctive bright light therapy can also treat other conditions such as sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. It can even be used for issues that may negatively affect your internal clock, such as jet lag or adjusting to a nighttime work schedule. In some cases, light therapy lamps have even been used to help with dementia. However, SAD treatment is typically the main mental health disorder addressed by light therapy.

This type of light therapy lamp is not to be confused with the type of light therapy used to treat skin conditions. Certain conditions, such as psoriasis or other skin disorders, can use UV light therapy for treatment. It is important to make sure that if you are using a light therapy box for mental health issues, it does not emit UV light rays, because this kind of emitted light may damage your eyes and skin. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness during your light therapy sessions.

How Does Light Therapy Work?

Light therapy typically uses phototherapy devices, such as light boxes that emit a bright light source with an appropriate light intensity. The light emitted from a light box is usually meant to mimic natural outdoor light. Often, the main trigger for seasonal affective disorder occurs during the dark days of fall and winter. During light therapy, a person usually sits or works about two feet from the convenient light therapy box with their eyes open for around 30 minutes each day.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the type and amount of light that light therapy boxes produce can affect brain chemicals linked to mood, sleep, and circadian rhythm. This, in turn, can ease seasonal affective disorder symptoms, as well as symptoms of other types of depression in some cases.

What Are The Risks Of Light Therapy?

As with many other treatments for depression, light therapy may come with some risks. In general, light therapy is safe, and any side effects are typically short-lived. However, potential side effects of light boxes can include:

• Eyestrain

• Headache

• Nausea

• Irritability or agitation

• Mania, euphoria, hyperactivity or agitation associated with bipolar disorder

The Mayo Clinic suggests that people with sensitive skin or eye conditions should speak with their doctor prior to beginning treatment. And, while some research shows that light therapy may help treat mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, the Mayo Clinic cautions that light therapy can be a triggering situation. Please consult your doctor to determine if the benefits of light therapy outweigh any risks that can come with the use of light boxes. Safety and effectiveness are essential factors to consider when choosing and using these devices.

Should I Try Light Therapy?

Every person is different, and light therapy sessions may or may not work for you. Obtaining a light box and starting light therapy may work if you have seasonal affective disorder. If you are looking for a safer, alternative treatment that does not involve antidepressant medication, light therapy may be a good route to take as well. Light therapy can also be used as a supplement to antidepressant medication that you may already be taking.

For some, light therapy may not be the best option. Those with any form of light sensitivity may be better off avoiding this treatment option.

Does Light Therapy Work?

While light therapy can provide symptomatic relief, it is not generally meant to cure seasonal affective disorder or any other type of depression. A light box, including smaller light boxes, is typically intended to ease depression symptoms through a more natural route, considering the physical characteristics of the emitted light. Light therapy can serve as a partial solution to the problem, especially for those with seasonal affective disorder, as Oldham MA suggests. By bringing light into your world, it can help the darker times of the year seem brighter and more bearable. In conjunction with psychotherapy, light therapy can provide comprehensive support for individuals coping with depression.

As with any type of treatment, light therapy can be more effective for certain people. Contact your mental health professional to see if it is a route you can explore.

Other Depression Treatment Options

Aside from or in addition to light therapy, talk therapy can be an excellent and effective form of treatment for depression. However, when you’re experiencing depression, it may be particularly challenging to find a local therapist, schedule an appointment, leave the house, and drive to the therapist’s office. If this is the case for you, you may wish to consider online therapy. With online therapy, you can connect with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your home, eliminating many of the steps to getting the support you deserve. In addition, it is often much easier to switch therapists as needed until you find one that you’re comfortable with.

As this study explains, online therapy can be just as effective in treating depression as traditional face-to-face therapy. Although some people may be concerned about the efficacy of online therapy, the growing body of evidence largely reports that it can be as effective—if not more so—than in-office treatment.