How should I explain SAD to others? 

Some people are worried about others finding out about their Seasonal Affective Disorder diagnosis and judging them harshly because of it.

Families, friends and work colleagues may react to your SAD diagnosis in many different ways. Some will be quite accepting and pleased that you are managing your condition (especially if they have been on the brunt of your changing mood in winter). Some may be judgmental about it. Some will be neutral.

Some may like the light emitted by the light box when you have it switched on, others may be irritated by it.

If you care what others think about your Seasonal Affective Disorder diagnosis, (and remember you are likely to be in a vulnerable emotional state anyway and less able to handle criticism) talk only to those who you think will be supportive and accepting about your condition and treatment.

As light boxes become smaller they are more portable and easier to bring to work but they are very different from a standard desk lamp - you can't hide the fact they are emitting light more than 10 times higher than from a standard bulb, so be prepared to explain if you decide to use one outside your home.

It's important to think about how people might react at work if you think you would like to use light therapy there. If you feel your colleagues will be accepting of your condition and they don't mind the light, it will be easier for you to use a light box on your desk or workstation. If they are likely to criticise and speculate about your mental strength and how it might affect your work, keep your light therapy to your home environment. Every situation will be different but luckily most people are quite accepting.

If people are curious and ask questions, you can simply say that you find dull winters tend to make you feel low and that you've discovered that using the light makes a huge difference to you.

Check with anyone who shares your work area whether they mind you using your light box at work and let them see how it affects them for a day or two before checking again. Some people will actually be drawn to your light box especially if is gloomy outside.

For more information on light boxes see the section on Light Therapy.

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