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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by spriggy on May 5, 2006, at 22:18:17
I live up here in the Pacific Northwest area ( Seattle=RAIN!) and we had a horrific winter of dark, dreary, rainy days.
I found myself depressed; not nearly as bad as before but just an overall feeling of blue's, blah's, and not motivated.
6 weeks ago, I started going tanning 2-3 times per week. I swear I feel SO much better; more alive, vibrant, optimistic ( not to mention I look better, ROFL).
Does anyone know if this can have a real effect on your mood? Is it all in my head (and even if it is, I'll still take it, LOL).
PS. I've miss all my babble friends; we've just been super busy with our church but I'm trying to catch up on you all!
Posted by john berk on May 5, 2006, at 22:45:43
In reply to Tanning bed for depression it's working!, posted by spriggy on May 5, 2006, at 22:18:17
Hi Spriggy,
I tan 3 times a week also, i used to feel quilty,
with dermatalogists saying to beware of uvb and uva light exposure, but it makes me feel much better too, the only month's i don't tan, [and i may start] are in the winter, but when i leave the tanning booth i feel hype, vibrant like you said.
it increases vitamin D synthesis, which in turn is good for mental health, among other things.
i read an article last night, where someone theorized that the increase in depression in the last 20 years has been a decrease in vitamin D in our diets, and less sun exposure.
only a theory, but i can live with it, lol.
have a great weekend....john
Posted by willyee on May 6, 2006, at 12:36:37
In reply to Tanning bed for depression it's working!, posted by spriggy on May 5, 2006, at 22:18:17
i agree,its getting to the tanning place to tan thats the burden,wish i had one here but um buying that damn lexus broke the bank,kidding of course.
I wasted my money i think for the year as i cant consisently make it tanning.
Posted by Phillipa on May 6, 2006, at 23:51:25
In reply to Re: Tanning bed for depression it's working!, posted by willyee on May 6, 2006, at 12:36:37
I know what you mean about feeling better but being older I ruined my skin in one and the beach during the summer aged me 20 years. And there is a rise in Melanoma. I am taking extra D and staying out of the sun something I said I would never do. I always said that was a luxary and sacrifice I would make. But now that I'm older I wish I hadn't. Sorry to post a negative. I love the sun too. Love Phillipa
Posted by tallwaters1962 on May 7, 2006, at 2:19:08
In reply to Re: Tanning bed for depression it's working!, posted by Phillipa on May 6, 2006, at 23:51:25
But I'm keeping my skin! I'm 44 and can see the damage I've done and I have never been a sun worshiper. I'd like to get a light box.
Rainee :)
Posted by cecilia on May 7, 2006, at 20:36:32
In reply to Tanning bed for depression it's working!, posted by spriggy on May 5, 2006, at 22:18:17
Posted by Larry Hoover on May 9, 2006, at 12:31:49
In reply to I love a good tan too and the boost!, posted by tallwaters1962 on May 7, 2006, at 2:19:08
> But I'm keeping my skin! I'm 44 and can see the damage I've done and I have never been a sun worshiper. I'd like to get a light box.
>
> Rainee :)Just so we're absolutely clear, a light box will have no influence on vitamin D. Light boxes are shielded to prevent release of the specific wavelengths of light which are responsible for forming vitamin D in the skin. A light box will not produce vitamin D.
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on May 9, 2006, at 12:37:24
In reply to Tanning bed for depression it's working!, posted by spriggy on May 5, 2006, at 22:18:17
> Does anyone know if this can have a real effect on your mood? Is it all in my head (and even if it is, I'll still take it, LOL).
Yes, it can have a significant effect on mood. Some people become addicted to it. Literally. Just a warning.
It is possible that your mood effect is mediated by increased formation of vitamin D. That is one theory, but it may not be the only mood-modulating mechanism. We are also profoundly affected by social cues, and a "good tan" is a very symbolic visual cue. It's being diluted, some, by both fear of cancer and the ready availability of spray-ons and such.
I'm glad you feel better. Just be wary. UV light is powerful enough to injure you. Moderation is important.
Lar
This is the end of the thread.
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