Struggling emotionally? India: This 30-minute daily practice can cure depression by 40% – Times of India

Depression is a common mental illness that can affect all areas of life. It can cause problems at school, work, relationships and more. People with depression are also at increased risk of suicide. A report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023 revealed that nearly one in five adults in the US has been diagnosed with depression.
The exact cause of depression is unknown, but it may be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Doctors often prescribe antidepressants to people with this particular mental disorder. However, these medicines come with a long list of possible side effects including the dreaded skin diseases, ‘mood crashes’ and so on.
However, as some experts say, a drug-free solution to depression could be as simple as flipping a switch to treat this mental illness that has become an epidemic in today’s world. It is clear that exposure to light affects a person’s mood and cognitive functions. A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients treated with bright light therapy (BLT) reported a 40% remission rate non-periodic stress proves this point.
The study included 858 participants diagnosed with depression. Patients were instructed to sit in front of a fluorescent light box producing bright white light with an intensity of 10,000 lux for at least 30 minutes each day. It was observed that patients treated with BLT had a significantly higher reduction rate (40%) than those treated with antidepressants (23%).
“Although the costs of outpatient treatment with anti-depressants vary widely, exposure to outdoor light generally has no costs or limitations, which underscores the need to establish light therapy as a method effective treatment for unpleasant period diseases,” the researchers noted.

How does exposure to light affect perception and cognition?

According to Forbes, when people are exposed to bright lights, that light enters the retina, and activates nerve cells known as retinal ganglion cells. These neurons transmit information between the retina and the brain and are directly responsible for emotional regulation.
However, experts warn that home treatments and commercial light boxes may not be as effective as those employed by health care professionals. For best results, contact your service provider to determine the correct light intensity and exposure time for you.

What is bright light therapy (BLT)?

Bright light therapy (BLT) is a treatment that involves exposure to bright light to improve mood and regulate circadian rhythms. BLT is considered one of the first treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), however a growing body of literature supports its use in other neuropsychiatric conditions including depression. no season.
It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Circadian rhythm disorders: BLT can help treat conditions such as delayed-onset sleep disorder (DSPS), which causes people to have trouble waking up in the morning.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): BLT is an effective treatment for SAD in adults.
Depression: Some studies suggest that BLT may be effective treatment for depression children and young people.
Sleep problems: BLT can help improve sleep in people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
BLT works by stimulating eye sensors that are connected to the brain and restoring the body’s circadian rhythm. The time of light exposure is important, and the desired effect depends on the condition being treated. For example, to treat DSPS, light should be delivered to the retina as soon as possible after waking up.

How to give a bright light treatment?

A BLT can be served in many ways, including:
Light box: Sitting in front of a light box that emits high-intensity fluorescent light for about two hours a day
Bright visor: Wearing a light source that hangs over the eyes like a tennis visor
Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight shortly after sunrise, between 6 AM and 9 AM
People with bipolar disorder or major depression should consult with a mental health professional before trying BLT.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that causes persistent low mood or loss of interest in activities. Depression can cause sour feelings that last most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks, and can cause a loss of interest or enjoyment in activities. It can also cause sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Depression also causes fatigue and poor concentration, irritability, agitation or restlessness. The physical effects of depression are found in aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems.