Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A Comprehensive Guide

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a serious condition that can lead to intense depression. It occurs when a person has limited exposure to daylight, and it is common in some regions of the world where the sun's rays are not as strong for much of the day. People who have SAD often use lightboxes to treat their condition. A lightbox gives off much brighter light than a normal light bulb, and it is a cheap and easy way to treat the disorder. Although you can buy lightboxes online, you also can build your own with very little effort.

Things You'll Need

• Square piece of glass
• 4 wood planks
• Wood glue
• Nails
• Hammer
• Wood panel
• Saw
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• White primer
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Drill
• Electric wires and sockets
• Tape
• Glass glue

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut four wood planks to make a perimeter for the square piece of glass. Assemble the sides of the box by gluing together the four planks with wood glue and reinforcing the glue with nails.

• 2

  Cut the wood panel so that it matches the size of the glass. Screw the panel to the box frame to form the back of the box. (It is important to screw the panel on so that you can remove it easily to service the lightbox).

• 3

  Paint the inner surface of the box with white primer.

• 4

  Drill a hole in the side of the wooden box. The hole should be large enough for the electrical wire to fit through easily. Thread the electrical wire through the hole.

• 5

  Place the fluorescent bulbs into the box. Glue them to the back and plug them into the electric wires.

• 6

  Apply wood glue to the top surfaces of the sides of the wooden box. Place the piece of glass gently on top of the glue to form the box's new transparent lid.

• 7

  Plug the other end of the electrical cord into a wall socket.