Beginning in December 2022, Stay; For Life co-founder Angela wanted to do something simple to help people who feel the challenges of decreased sunlight during the winter months. With a history of depression herself, she has felt the beneficial effects of using a light therapy box, and wanted to help bring this to others. Since the inception of the initiative, Stay; For Life has provided over 60 light therapy lamps to individuals. The program typically runs from October through May.
My son started using it last week and has been pretty consistent about using it most days.
I have noticed him smile more and talk with words that are a lot more hopeful. He has been making jokes and interacting with people a lot more. He even has been motivated to start moving his body more in the mornings
He has not been motivated in this way for a long time!
I'm so thankful for you!
A light therapy box mimics outdoor light. It's thought that this type of light may cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood. It works on your biological clock by aligning your brain’s 24-hour cycle (aka circadian rhythm). It helps to balance the activation of serotonin circuitry in your brain, which is a key component in mood regulation, contributes to stable and consistent sleep patterns, and increases alertness.
Light therapy may be used to treat major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, sleep disorders, and other types of depression.
"For both seasonal and nonseasonal depression, the effectiveness of light therapy is approximately the same as antidepressant medications, or popular forms of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy," says Dr. Richard S. Schwartz, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Although evidence varies from study to study, each of these different therapies reportedly improves symptoms in between 40% to 60% of people." (Corliss, J. (2022), Light Therapy: not just for seasonal depression?, Harvard Health Publishing, health.harvard.edu)
Yes, it is working, I did try mornings, but wasn't doing much, so I started a hot tea break between 2:30- 3:00 every day, when I normally feel ugh, and light is starting to fade. What a difference it has made. Thank you so much.
Some tips when using Light Therapy:
"10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Light Therapy" (Wei M.D., J.D., Marlynn (2016) Psychology Today, psychologytoday.com) has great advice for best practices or light therapy.
If you feel your mental health could be helped by Light Therapy, and would like to request a Light Therapy Box from Stay; For Life, free of charge (no strings attached), fill out the form below. Please note that the shipment may arrive to you from Amazon.
*One free box per family. While supplies last. Individual results from Light Therapy may vary.*
If you would like to donate to Stay; For Life's Light Therapy Initiative, there are two ways you can do so.
The Stay: For Life website should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, counseling, or health-related services. We do not offer crisis counseling or emergency services. If you feel that you are in a crisis situation, please call 911 or go to your closest emergency room. You can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. It is a free, 24-hour hotline should you or someone you know feel suicidal or think about hurting themself.
