Light Therapy Offers Hope for Seasonal Affective Disorder Sufferers
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions in the UK, with light therapy emerging as a popular treatment.
- Cherry Cantrell uses a SAD lamp to manage her winter depression, a condition impacting three in every 100 people in the UK.
- Orkney Islands libraries offer "Wintering Well" boxes, including light therapy lamps, to help residents cope with limited daylight.
- The UKRI-funded "Living with Sad" project aims to explore effective interventions for SAD sufferers across Britain.
- Libraries in Northern Ireland and Scotland have integrated SAD lamps into their services, allowing members to borrow them for free.
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many individuals across the UK find themselves grappling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure. Cherry Cantrell, a support services officer at Aware NI, is one such individual who has battled the "winter blues" for nearly a decade. "I feel really irritable, just annoyed at everybody and everything," she shares, describing the impact of SAD on her mood and relationships.
The Role of Light Therapy
To combat these symptoms, Cantrell relies on a SAD lamp, a device designed to mimic natural sunlight. According to the NHS, light therapy may alleviate SAD by reducing melatonin production and boosting serotonin levels. Cantrell notes a subtle improvement in her mood, stating, "It's almost like it's taken an edge off those extreme reactions."
Community Initiatives in Orkney
In the Orkney Islands, where winter daylight is scarce, libraries have introduced "Wintering Well" boxes. These kits, which include therapeutic lamps and guidebooks, are part of a UKRI-funded research project led by Prof Hester Parr of the University of Glasgow. Sue House, an assistant librarian, highlights the popularity of these boxes, noting a waiting list for their use. "There’s a growing awareness there are some very positive things you can do for yourself," she explains.
Expanding Access to Light Therapy
Libraries across Northern Ireland have also embraced light therapy, offering SAD lamps for free borrowing. Paul Kelly, a senior service manager, emphasizes the importance of these resources in rural areas. "Even if it's grey, there's light there," Cantrell advises, encouraging others to seek natural light whenever possible.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder grows, the integration of light therapy into public services could expand further, potentially leading to more widespread adoption across the UK. The ongoing UKRI-funded research may provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these interventions, influencing future mental health strategies. Experts suggest that increased public access to light therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by SAD, especially in regions with limited winter daylight.
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Light Therapy Offers Hope for Seasonal Affective Disorder Sufferers
In This Article
Leila Hassan| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions in the UK, with light therapy emerging as a popular treatment.
- Cherry Cantrell uses a SAD lamp to manage her winter depression, a condition impacting three in every 100 people in the UK.
- Orkney Islands libraries offer "Wintering Well" boxes, including light therapy lamps, to help residents cope with limited daylight.
- The UKRI-funded "Living with Sad" project aims to explore effective interventions for SAD sufferers across Britain.
- Libraries in Northern Ireland and Scotland have integrated SAD lamps into their services, allowing members to borrow them for free.
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many individuals across the UK find themselves grappling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure. Cherry Cantrell, a support services officer at Aware NI, is one such individual who has battled the "winter blues" for nearly a decade. "I feel really irritable, just annoyed at everybody and everything," she shares, describing the impact of SAD on her mood and relationships.
The Role of Light Therapy
To combat these symptoms, Cantrell relies on a SAD lamp, a device designed to mimic natural sunlight. According to the NHS, light therapy may alleviate SAD by reducing melatonin production and boosting serotonin levels. Cantrell notes a subtle improvement in her mood, stating, "It's almost like it's taken an edge off those extreme reactions."
Community Initiatives in Orkney
In the Orkney Islands, where winter daylight is scarce, libraries have introduced "Wintering Well" boxes. These kits, which include therapeutic lamps and guidebooks, are part of a UKRI-funded research project led by Prof Hester Parr of the University of Glasgow. Sue House, an assistant librarian, highlights the popularity of these boxes, noting a waiting list for their use. "There’s a growing awareness there are some very positive things you can do for yourself," she explains.
Expanding Access to Light Therapy
Libraries across Northern Ireland have also embraced light therapy, offering SAD lamps for free borrowing. Paul Kelly, a senior service manager, emphasizes the importance of these resources in rural areas. "Even if it's grey, there's light there," Cantrell advises, encouraging others to seek natural light whenever possible.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder grows, the integration of light therapy into public services could expand further, potentially leading to more widespread adoption across the UK. The ongoing UKRI-funded research may provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these interventions, influencing future mental health strategies. Experts suggest that increased public access to light therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by SAD, especially in regions with limited winter daylight.
Images from the Web
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