Remember the Sally Fields ads for a once-a-month osteoporosis drug? She made it sound like taking a pill takes an hour or something, so not doing it every day freed up soooo much time.

Osteoporosis medication does take about an hour and some planning. You have to take it on an empty stomach, can't eat after you take it for 30 minutes, and have to remain upright for 30 minute to an hour after you take it. Its certainly not a huge roadblock to a person with an average morning (take it when you wake up, then take your shower, get dressed etc. before eating breakfast) but it also means you have to time it right (can't have a lazy Saturday in bed, things like that.)

Thanks a lot for the info.

i'm coming a little late to the discussion here, but i also have SAD, so i thought i'd pass on info about my lightbox. i AM good at consumer research, and when i was getting ready to purchase a couple of years ago, i decided on the Sunbox SunLight, Jr. i picked that particular model because it meets all of the general requirements for effective light quality and dosage that i found in my research (and, honestly, i read scientific studies done with different kinds/levels of light), it's small enough to use in my office without drawing too much attention, and it didn't cost too too much (it's a little more expensive now). i also travel with it, which has resulted in some interesting conversations with TSA.

i also suggest reading their Buyer's Guide section--i know it's marketing for Sunbox, but it's also a good comprehensive guide for what you should be looking for in a lightbox (high LUX levels, diffusing cover, etc.). i have to say, Sunbox has also given good customer service. i had an issue with the light bulb in my first lamp, and i no trouble getting a fast replacement, etc. it's now been almost 3 years now, and the little sucker keeps chugging along.

http://www.sunbox.com/Products/10000LuxBright.asp

we should thank the FDA for not smacking down Yaz as an abortifacient.

Sadly, I'm counting my blessings, small as they are, on women's reproductive health and freedom..

Normally, any chance to bash the FDA or to yell at Big Pharma for their misleading TV ads which aren't allowed in any other country on earth is well-received and taken up with gusto here.

But for some reason those Yaz ads don't get me riled up as much as the ones for stomach-acid-reducers or viagra-wannabes.

And I agree with the comments about Nuvaring ads, even though I personally use it. It would be nice if they focused on something besides convenience - I for one take other meds that interfere with BC pills, so have to use an alternative. I highly doubt I'm alone on that.

Remember the Sally Fields ads for a once-a-month osteoporosis drug? She made it sound like taking a pill takes an hour or something, so not doing it every day freed up soooo much time. Nauseating - the manufacturer actually saw its patent expire, so re-applied with the once-a-month formulary. Then they had to make sure you knew about it and would 'ask your doctor'. This way the 'new' drug could still be priced at a phenomally profit-creating level.

It's THOSE decisions where the FDA and the US Patent Office could actually do something and help the consumer out for a change.

I agree that each woman must find what works for her.

About the light. I am not good at blind consumer research.

"I have to say that I think the suicidal ideation is really bad for people. It can become like an agitated rumination. My former psychologist explained it this way. That those thoughts, once they take over are like a well-trod path in your brain. It is easier to go there again, until all of a sudden your mind is traveling that path quite against your will."

I completely agree. However, I have equally well-trodden paths in my mind that usually keep me from anything other than vague thoughts. As long as I have living family members, I am in no danger.

These thoughts are nevertheless unpleasant enough that I support anybody else choosing to get rid of them by whatever means possible--antidepressants, weed, exercise, cognitive training.

You can find the lamp AKASmith's talking about here:

http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy-lamps/seasonal-affective-disorder

Not only is it good therapy, but the quality of the light is awesome too...

That window that my bed faces is Northeast.

I really can't say more without becoming a feast for trolls.

It is Verilux. It says on the bottom 0906 tabletop luminaire. But it isn't very strong. So I am going to either get a stronger one or order another. The main thing is full-spectrum with a UV filter to protect your eyes.

I have it set up in a window which my bed faces. I open the curtains and because it is backlit, I don't get eyestrain or glare. I am also wondering if I might like a sunrise simulator.

I have also have designed a new approach for window coverings for my living room. It sounds a little bizarre, but they are made out of rattan place mats backed with a lightweight rectangles fabric in different colors. They cover the bottom half of my windows for privacy at night, but during the day I can detach them easily for full light from the windows. I don't know what your privacy considerations are but nothing beats actual sunlight coming in for days when the sun shines. I find getting out lots in September and October when the whether is nice lessens my downslide at the end of November. It's almost like I am able to store up the effects of light in my brain.

I have to say that I think the suicidal ideation is really bad for people. It can become like an agitated rumination. My former psychologist explained it this way. That those thoughts, once they take over are like a well-trod path in your brain. It is easier to go there again, until all of a sudden your mind is traveling that path quite against your will.

So anything that breaks the thought helps: Getting out, socializing, trying a new hobby, exercising, calling someone. Practicing a technique called thought-stopping. One thing I do sometimes is putting on some music I can dance to and getting frenzied even if I have to do it while crying. Soon the tears will stop and I will be smiling and laughing even.

Hey, sometimes life sucks. Fight back!