💡Before You Buy a Light Therapy Box, Read This
The OG light therapy scientist tells us what really works. Plus, in the wake of Matthew Perry's death, how safe is ketamine? A top pro explains.
Light Therapy for SAD That Makes Us Happy (‘Cause It’s Legit)
Whoooo-baby! Who’s not dealing with some version of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) right about now? 🫠 The weather, the back-to-work, the post-New-Year’s glum of it all. No wonder everyone’s talking about light therapy boxes.
Well-known fact: Many studies have shown that light therapy combats SAD. (Yay!)
Lesser-known fact: Most light therapy devices do diddly. (Boo.)
Here’s what the OG light-therapy scientist told Mental👇
Yes, it’s huge. Ugly. And expensive. So you know we wouldn’t reco this bright solution if it wasn’t the best. Dr. Terman suggests both following the lamp’s directions and experimenting a bit on your own re: how long you should sit in front of it. The major SAD clinical trials dosed users for 30 minutes, he says, but you might find that overstimulating, or you may want to bump up to 45 minutes after a week for stronger effects.
BTW: The benefits of light therapy go beyond warming up the winter blues. Research has shown that light therapy improves ADHD symptoms and disordered eating, namely binging. There’s also evidence that it can alleviate the depression that comes with premenstrual depressive disorders (PMDD). So sit your lil’ face in front of this big screen. It’ll get the job done.
Ask a Mental Health Pro
How Safe Are Ketamine Treatments?
Ketamine infusions have been a game-changer for many with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health issues. But when Matthew Perry died from “acute effects of ketamine,” some wondered: Is it dangerous? A top doctor answers in our new “Ask a Mental Health Pro” series. (Plus, the latest research on ketamine infusions vs the nasal spray.)
You Can Say That Again
“We live in a society where there’s a lot of trash thrown at us. I think it’s important to know, everyone has a beautiful purpose on this earth. And when I myself forget and start comparing myself or competing or feeling sorry for myself or get anxiety about where I need to be or whatever, I start to lose my sight on what is good and true. I just think it’s important to not believe the lies.”
Trace, singer and mental health advocate
Event Planner
Guyyyyyyys, if you’re trying out Dry January, love the idea of sober-curious, or are fully no-alcohol, you simply must check out the upcoming Mindful Drinking Fest in DC! There’s yoga. Forest bathing. Karaoke. Disco raves! All alongside the largest coming together of non-alcoholic drink brands in the US of A. Tickets available now.
The event is a sober-curious Who’s Who, put on by no-alc influencer (and mindful mixologist)
of Substack’s “Positive Damage,” with a keynote from another SobCurFluencer (ok, we made up that term) , author of Dry Humping, perhaps the best title ever for a book about sex + love - booze. Get your tix now—we may see you there. ✨
Can't wait to meet you IRL!