Here are a few support group links!
The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association:
Daily Strength – Seasonal Affective Disorder Support Group:
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder/support-group
Mental Health America:
Facebook group for Seasonal Affective Disorder:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seasonal-affective-disorder/106176212746152
Other people can be a great source of support and comfort to those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
The top 5 things to do:
1. Understand the problem РYou need to recognize that SAD is a real problem and affliction.  Someone who suffers from SAD may look okay but can be having major difficulties in functioning.  Your relative or friend with SAD needs more light and can benefit from your support and understanding. Once you understand the mood and energy problems of SAD, you will be able to handle them better.
2. Just be there РJust your presence and company can do a SAD sufferer good.  Even though they may seem withdrawn and unfriendly, they appreciate the company. Many like the people being around, but you need to remember that you will probably not get a lot out of them.
3. Encourage the seasonal person РRemind them that this phase will pass, and they will feel better again.  Remind them of some good times you have had, they may simply have forgotten.  Because you understand that it is a seasonal problem, it can help just to remind them that it will pass.
4. Help with simple things РJust getting out of bed can be huge step.  But asking them what you can do to help is greatly appreciated.  It can be getting the kids ready and off to school, making breakfast or lunch or even dinner, getting groceries, household chores, doing the laundry or even paying the bills.  Some things are simple and will take a couple of minutes, but it can make a huge difference.
5. Try to understand the seasonal person when they are in the other phase Р It may come as a shock when the sufferer all of a sudden is  happy and successful.  But you need to understand that you need to be supportive either way.  Sufferers can become a bit wired from the sudden abundance of sunlight.  Many can  show  poor judgment or impulsiveness.  If you see this happening you may want to speak with your doctor.
Potential side effects of light therapy are rare and most often can include:
Eyestrain, jitteriness, headache, agitation, nausea, vomiting, irritability, fatigue, dry mouth, sleep problems and mania.
Side effects are usually mild, if they do occur. After a few days of light therapy, they tend to go away on their own. ¬†The easiest way to manage these problems by reducing treatment time, moving farther from your light box, taking breaks during long sessions, or changing the time of day you use light therapy. But talk to your doctor for additional help and advice, or if your side effects don’t go away or get worse.
Should You Not Use Light Therapy?
There are some light boxes don’t filter out or shield harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can cause skin and eye damage, just like in a tanning bed. Individuals taking certain medications such as Lithium, tricyclic antidepressants, and neuroleptic and individuals with¬†conditions¬†such as diabetes or retinal degeneration should be monitored by an ophthalmologist. ¬†Consulting your doctor first if you are taking medications that react with sunlight, your skins is sensitive to light or if you have an eye condition that makes your eyes vulnerable to light damage.
Concerns for Bipolar Disorder, Severe Depression
Light therapy, like antidepressant medications, occasionally will cause someone to switch into a manic state. Be sure to talk to your doctor or mental health provider before starting light therapy or at any time during treatment if your condition gets worse.
Reference to Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195
