Ask the Life Coach

Dear Down,

In my opinion, the worst kind of sad is not knowing why. Let’s dive into your question.

According to psychiatrist Prakash Masand, MD, founder of COPE: Centers of Psychiatric Excellence, seasonal depression rates can be higher in the summer in traditionally warm climates.

In other words, the lethargy that you’re feeling may be due to the sweltering heat. Perhaps your rate of activity has declined, which could also be a factor in your psychological well-being.

Here are a couple of tips to help you feel better:

• Just as people who experience SADD (Seasonal Affective Depressive Disorder) schedule a trip to the beach in the winter, consider a trip to the mountains or another cool location for a week this summer.
• Keep water with you. Even mild dehydration can cause your mood to dip.
• Check on your sleep. If your sleep is interrupted due to heat or your routine, this too can cause mild depression.
• Get back to exercise. If it is too hot for your usual walk on the beach, change it up with a trip to the gym or the YMCA.

I hope these suggestions will help you get back to your happier self. However, if you’re more than mildly depressed, have feelings of hopelessness, or serious insomnia, please seek professional advice.