Bright Light Therapy For Depression – How Does It Work?

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people each year. While there are many different treatment options available, one option that is growing in popularity is bright light therapy. But how does it work? and is it right for you? In this blog post, we will explore about bright light therapy for depression & discuss some of the pros & cons of using it.

What Is Bright Light Therapy For Depression?

Bright light therapy is a form of treatment for depression that uses special lights to help improve mood. It works by exposing the person to bright, artificial light for a set amount of time each day. This can be done with a specially designed lamp or box that emits light at specific wavelengths & intensity. The idea behind this type of therapy is that it mimics natural sunlight & helps to regulate the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm, which in turn helps stabilize moods & alleviate depression symptoms.

How Does Bright Light Therapy Work In Depression?

Bright light therapy works by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness & well-being. Exposure to bright light signals the brain to produce more serotonin, which leads to improved moods & reductions in depressive symptoms. Additionally, this therapy can help reset the body’s internal clock & help combat issues such as insomnia, which can worsen depression symptoms.

Bright light therapy helps treat depression in several ways. It can help improve mood, regulate the body’s internal clock, & reduce insomnia. However, it is important to remember that bright light therapy is not a substitute for other treatments such as psychotherapy or medications.

How To Use The Bright Light Therapy For Depression?

Here are the steps to using bright light therapy for depression:

• Consult your doctor or mental health provider to discuss the benefits & risks of using bright light therapy.
• Choose a location in your home that is well-lit, away from direct sunlight, & with no flicker or glare.
• Purchase a special lamp or box designed specifically for this type of therapy.
• A UV-free light box should be used, with a light intensity of 10,000 lux (or higher).
• Keep the distance of 12 to 15 inches.
• Set up the light according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Turn on the light at about the same time every day for 20–30 minutes. Make sure you don’t look directly into the light during this time.
• After treatment, turn off the light & avoid exposure to any other bright lights until the next day’s scheduled session.

Overall, bright light therapy is an effective treatment option for depression that can help improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and to consult with a mental health professional when using bright light therapy.

What Type Of Light Is Best For Depression?

The best type of light for treating depression is a full-spectrum, UV-free white light, & blue light. Studies have found that these specific wavelengths of light can help improve mood & reduce depressive symptoms. It is important to note that regular household lights are not adequate for treating depression & should not be used for bright light therapy. Instead, a special lamp or box designed specifically for this type of treatment should be used.

What Are The Benefits Of Bright Light Therapy For Depression?

There are some of the benefits of bright light therapy for depression:

• Improved Mood: Bright light therapy helps increase the production of serotonin, which is linked to improved moods & reduced symptoms of depression.
• Improved Sleep: Bright light therapy helps to reset the body’s internal clock, which can help reduce insomnia & other sleep disturbances.
• Reduced Stress: Regular exposure to bright light can help reduce stress levels, which in turn can help reduce symptoms of depression.
• Helpful In Various Types of Depression: This has been found to be helpful in treating various types of depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD) & other forms of depression.
• Reduced Anxiety: Bright light therapy can also help reduce anxiety levels, which can help improve overall mood & reduce depressive symptoms.
• Improved Concentration: The increased serotonin levels associated with bright light therapy can also help improve concentration & focus.

Overall, bright light therapy can be a safe, natural way to treat depression. However, it should not be used as a substitute for other treatments such as psychotherapy or medications. It is important to consult with your doctor or mental health provider before beginning light therapy to ensure it is a good fit for you.

Side Effect Of Bright Light Therapy

There are a few possible side effects associated with bright light therapy, including:

• Overexposure to bright light can cause migraine headaches.
• Eye strain, headaches, & nausea can occur if the light is too strong or if it’s used for too long of a period.
• The bright light can cause skin irritation, so use sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors after using the light therapy.
• In some cases, bright light can worsen symptoms of mania & hypomania in people with bipolar disorder.
• Agitation, sensitive skin, & light sensitivity can occur in people with SAD. It is important to note that the side effects of bright light therapy are generally mild & short-term.

How Long Does It Take For Light Therapy To Decrease SAD Symptoms?

It usually takes 1-3 weeks of consistently bright light therapy to start to see a decrease in symptoms. The effects can become more powerful over time. Most people need to keep using the therapy for at least several months to experience full benefits.

Above all, it is important to remember that light therapy should not be used as a substitute for other treatments. This includes psychotherapy or medications. Consult with your doctor or mental health provider before beginning light therapy to ensure it is a good fit for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bright light therapy is a safe & effective way to treat depression. It can help improve mood, regulate the body’s internal clock, reduce insomnia & stress levels, & increase concentration & focus. However, it is important to consult with your doctor or mental health provider before beginning any light therapy treatment. With proper care & precaution, bright light therapy can be an excellent treatment for depression.

For more information, please contact MantraCare. Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, & loss of interest in daily activities. If you have any queries regarding Online Depression Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Depression Therapy session