All of us get dragged down when the days are short and gray. Some of us, however, experience this in a deeper, darker way. SAD, seasonal affective disorder, makes those gray winter days into hours of anxiety, fear and sorrow.

In response to this need, people are able to receive therapy by using a light. But not just any light. The light they need is sunlight. There are artificial sunlights on the market for this need, but they usually cost between $300-600 dollars. We considered purchasing one that could be used at the church, but when we went to buy one, we found they were hard to find. After a search, we spoke with a doctor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester who explained that there was no need to purchase one. We could make them, and at a considerably lower cost, usually between $60-70.

This is how: Take 6 full spectrum natural light bulbs, 60-100 watt. 100 watt is better. These are fairly new kinds of bulbs. They must be full spectrum. These are not tanning bulbs. They simply have all the colors of natural sunlight.

Put them in as small a box as safely possible. The boxes we made were made in the following way:

The overall dimensions should be 18" high by 17 1/2" wide by 12" deep.

Use 1/2" plywood for the back, 1/4 plywood for the sides, top and bottom. The back is heavier to allow mounting lights and wiring.

The frame can be 1"x3/4" wood

Construct the back first by framing the front face with 1/2"x3/4" wood. This can be nailed or screwed to the back and also preferably glued. Overlap the back frame and plywood with the sides next with frame attached. Top and bottom attach last overlapping the sides and back.

The front frame should contain a 1/4" groove on the sides and bottom to allow the translucent light panel to slide in from the top.

A handle should be attached to the top for transport.

Diagram of the constructions front face is as shown:

The front face frame should be nailed over the exposed edges to cover them and allow the lens to slide in from the top

In order to us the box, sit about 3 feet away from the light, with the light about 25 degrees off directly in front of you. Never look into the light, but the light should be able to come into your eyes. Half an hour with the light will help, though with some, more is necessary.