If you’re looking for the best way to relieve your SAD symptoms, then I’m glad you’ve found this website and I hope you keep reading…
Because this my SAD story.  The ups, the downs, what stuff didn’t work and finally the one thing that did help me.

My SAD Story……

After years of suffering from depression, attending CBT sessions and taking anti-depressants, I found it kind of a relief when my GP mentioned the possibility of SAD – it explained a lot.  Come winter time, my energy levels would diminish and I suffered terrible mood swings and bouts of profound sadness.

I was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder in 2008 and have been struggling to fight the symptoms to improve my quality of life. I had been receiving treatment for depression and it was only when I move house and changed doctor that the possibility it was related to the season came up. Finally things started to make sense. It had got to the point where my work and home life were affected. I couldn’t keep my temper some days and others, I just felt like a black cloud was following me around. My husband and children probably suffered the most though.

I eventually found a way through it - I’m finally free of my SAD, click here if you want to see the product I used

If you are from the USA you need to click here to see the product.

I was prescribed drugs but I hated taking them, I was really scared of becoming dependent. My anxiety actually worsened.  I’ve been using light box therapy to treat my SAD for 3 years now and along the way have tried various light therapy products.  In fact, I’ve spent an absolute fortune on different products over the years. 

The first piece of advice I’d like to share is if you’re serious about curing your SAD, don’t waste money on buying a cheap lamp.  These lamps don’t emit the right kind of light and some can be dangerous if they are not medically certified. 

The first lamp I bought cost £39.99, within a couple of months two of the bulbs started to flicker and I ended up throwing it in the bin.  Although, I do think I over used it as I wasn’t really seeing any effect.  My next lamp was slightly better but it strained my eyes really badly to the point where I had to see the doctor.

I wanted to write a review on the Philips goLITE BLU Energy SAD Light as this product has given me the best relief – It has given me my life back in the winter months.

It’s also one of the products that is recommended by SAD .org – A National Voluntary Organisation dedicated to supporting people who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder.  So, at this very moment you may be considering whether to buy it.

Good Points

It’s compact, portable and light weight.  It is really easy to travel with and carry about.  It’s even small enough to fit in your hand bag.  I sometimes take it to work, because it’s small enough just to slot onto the edge of my desk.  – I think it really helps concentration levels.

It has a re-chargable battery so you can charge it up and take it with you and a travel pouch to stop it getting damaged.  If you travel abroad a lot – it even comes with adaptor plugs. 

The design is attractive, sleek in fact, the magnetic stand that pops out is really cool – a nice touch.  It also feels really robust and sturdy. 

I have found that it’s not too intense on the eyes like other products can be.  The Lightbox is a very bright white light and I found this too much.

The Philips goLITE BLU has timed light settings – the light automatically turns off after between 1 min and 1 hour.  There are 4 different brightness settings, this makes a change from cheaper versions I have used that normally only have 2.

Click here to discover more about the Philips Light Box and its features, plus save £80 from the RRP

If you are from the USA you need to click here to see the product.

Bad Points

The lamp is a little more expensive than other light therapy products on the market.  However, I recommend buying a lamp that will last – You really do get what you pay for.

I was a little disappointed that the alarm feature does not allow ‘sunrise‘ mode the light just comes on suddenly.  However, I actually prefer this now.

Battery does not last for many sessions if your sessions are long.

One last bad point is that the clock display doesn’t stay visible so it’s not able to be used as a clock.  A little picky I know, but I did want to produce a comprehensive review.

What you Really Want to Know – Does it help SAD symptoms?

It is recommended that you sit under the lamp for between 15-30 minutes for at least a week before you notice the difference.  I used the lamp at 75% for 15 mins in the morning and then the same mid afternoon.  The first and probably most noticeable affect it had was on my energy levels.  After about 5 or 6 day, I came home from work feeling in so much better, I still had energy to spare – normally I just want to collapse on the sofa.  This affect increased the longer I used the lamp.  In fact, after about 6 weeks, I tried a week without it and sure enough, a few days later I was experiencing that mid afternoon energy dip again and found it harder to get up.  I would definitely recommend this product for boosting your energy.

My mood dramatically improved – of course it helps when you have more energy.  As I said, I have suffered for a long time with this illness and my sadness at times felt impossible to deal with.  After a couple of weeks my general mood had improved dramatically.  I literally had a moment on about day 11 where I could feel the clouds beginning to lift.  After that, I felt better every day.  I found it superior to many other light boxes I had tried.  The Philips goLITE BLU really does work.

I think everyone who hates mornings should have one because it makes a fantastic alarm.  Instead of using a clock you can set it to light.  It is so refreshing to wake up to that rather than an irritating alarm bleep.  Using it in the morning really does put you in a great frame of mind to face the rest of the day.  The instructions do recommend that you use it within 1 hour of waking – it’s so soothing.

In fact, you can just use it whenever you need a pick me up.  In your lunch hour, when the kids have gone to bed, before you head out to the gym or to combat that tired middle of the afternoon lull.  It’s much better than reaching for sugary, caffeinated drinks or chocolate.

In conclusion, after several weeks of using the Philips goLITE BLU it improved my overall mood and enhanced my general well being. I feel more relaxed and the quality of sleep I get is enhanced and thus my energy levels have improved significantly. For anyone who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or just mild winter blues – this light is a godsend.

Click here to find out more about the Philips Light Box, purchase and save £80 from the RRP

If you are from the USA you need to click here to see the product.