Question ... (locals)

[make_your_move]

Where do you go to purchase a "full spectrum" (SAD) light for the desk (or small office)? Would like to pick it up locally as opposed to ordering it on the intrawebs :)

Comments

[queenmaggie.livejournal.com]

My doctor gave me a prescription and told me to purchase over the net since most of what's available locally is not strong enough to really efect the affect. I went to Northern Lights, and it was expensive and not covered by insurance, but because I had a prescription, I could use it against my medical savings account.

[fatesfolly.livejournal.com]

I'm interested in this answer, too!

Thanks for askin'!

[liatha.livejournal.com]

Sharper Image has them.

[russell-moore.livejournal.com]

I ordered the wife's on-line from a GE distibutor a year or so ago. They now sell a version of them at one of the lighting places near our house (which is where I was able to purchase a replacement bulb for her lamp).

You need to figure out what type you want. They sell floor lamps or desk lamps. They also have desk models which open like a large mirror. They also have wall mounted ones, which are like a nice round sun.

Prices range from less than $100 for the small desk top models up to over $300 for the wall mount. I would advise you purchase a type that has the bulbs available locally for convenience sake.

[ilostonjeopardy.livejournal.com]

We got one at Costco last year. It was near the pharmacy. We are pleased.

Many options....

[elkor.livejournal.com]

You can get Full Spectrum Bulbs at the Health Food Store in Dale City, in the plaza with the Japanese Steak House and used book store. It's near the OfficeMax/depot (can't remember which one it is).

They also sell "natural spectrum" energy efficient bulbs at Lowes and Home Depot. Not sure how well those work for SAD, but we put one of them in each bathroom (in addition to a "normal" bulb) because it is a much whiter light, and Margo says it helps her with her make-up.

Replace some bulbs with these and that should help mitigate the issue.

It is recommended to put them someplace you spend a fair amount of time, such as the computer room, or a hobby room. The Living Room if you watch a lot of TV.

Also, you can get an OTT Light, which is available at many Office/Hobby stores. Margo has two that she uses for crafting, 'cause it is full spectrum.

Hope that helps.

[wizardglick.livejournal.com]

Is this one of those lamps that are supposed to step you from being depressed about winter.

Do those work? I wouldn't say I'm depressed about winter right now, but it's definetely not making me happy right about now.

[bittibuddha.livejournal.com]

yeah. It works for me. I sit directly under my full-spectrum lamp for about 40 minutes every morning (usually while Im doing Karma Kisses and reading LJ & email before going to work) and its really helped balance me out my normally bleak outlook in the winter. I've got SAD, have had it for years, and partook in a study a few years back where I was part of the test group that did a combo of Light Therapy (30 minutes of Full Spectrum light a day, twice a day) AND cognitive behavior therapy ("talk therapy") and it really really REALLY helped. The light, in addition to positive social interaction with upbeat people seems to be the sweetspot combo to keep the worst of the symptoms at bay, otherwise I would probably go to bed and not get back up until mid April.

I still have some of the symptoms, but nothing like what it was. You really have to blast the light into your eyes fairly directly to get the full effects tho. it can be kind of uncomfortable at first.

[lalartu.livejournal.com]

Well, exactly what you didn't ask for.

We got ours from http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/lighttherapy_8_ctg.htm

Both the initial purchase and the replacement bulb (after we shattered the last one knocking over the lamp)

The ability to dim the light is a plus, although the SAD effects are only at full power.

[wizardglick.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I'm not sure what would depress me more. The dull grey hopelessness of winter, or having to pay a hundred and fifty bucks for a f'ing lamp

[bittibuddha.livejournal.com]

$300 is not unusual for the clinical models. Amortize it over 10 years of not feeling like ~that~ every winter though? its pretty cheap.

[lalartu.livejournal.com]

What she said!

It helps C- be less of a biatch!
(I'll probably pay for that later)

Not bad for me either

[wizardglick.livejournal.com]

Would I need a prescription from a Nut Doctor first? or is it something a person can just buy?

Hmm. Maybe I can use health-care savings plan money...

More happy, less sad would make it a whole lot easier to be around myself...

[moirinknits.livejournal.com]

There's a store up in Gaithersburg near the airport that sells Light Therapy lights. That's where I got mine. I swear it's the only thing that got me through last winter. Works way better than anti-depressants. In fact, it is here with me in Korea... time to go sit under it....

[(Anonymous)]

I was researching this last year and found I couldn't afford the light. However, I did read that getting outside during the brightest part of the day for 30 minutes to an hour was just as effective for mild cases (prolly like exercise is just as good as pills for mild depression). The trick is not to wear a hat. You absorb those good light chemicals right through your scalp.

Puppy

[kiaroskuro.livejournal.com]

Hey there! I was looking through your journal and I saw this post... You probably already got a lamp, but here's what I have to offer...

I bought a full spectrum desk lamp at Staples for a decent price. It's NOT a light therapy lamp, which is what people use for treating SAD, but it does cut down on eye strain and is more natural than stupid fluorescent lights. This is similar to what I have. If you're looking for a good light therapy lamp, Apollo Health has excellent stuff, just for treating winter fatigue and what not. I have their "Daybreak" alarm clock and it's the Best. Thing. Ever.

[make-your-move.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link :) We did find something this weekend while we were out on our date Friday night from OTT lites. I'm going to spend more time at the Apollo Health site though.