After a winter of cold weather and plenty of reason to be discontent, you'd expect the warm weather to put a smile on everyone's face. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way for everyone. It may surprise you, but many individuals experience the sunny weather blues.

So why are we sharing this relatively esoteric medical information with you? Consider the fact that over the past two weeks our mailbox has been inundated with letters from readers begging the very same question. Here are two such examples:
 
"My moods are pretty stable (and content) throughout the year until it becomes summer. When everyone else is out running and biking I find myself secretly praying for rain." -- Laurie, age 33, Chicago
 
"I think the pressure of warm weather is far too overwhelming for me to handle alone. I am wondering if anyone else feels the same way I do?" -- Larry, age 41, Portland, OR
 
While Larry and Laurie may be describing symptoms that are associated with Summer S.A.D., there is far too little medical or case information to make a diagnosis. This time of year can also be particularly challenging for individuals who find themselves feeling lonely amidst the waves of smiling couples and happy families, guilty (and bored) for staying indoors and anxious because of the added social pressures brought on by the change in temperature.
 
While there may not be a cure for the summertime blues, those officially diagnosed with the mood disorder have found staying in cool air conditioned places, swimming regularly and taking cold showers to be very helpful. For the rest of us, most probably the majority, the mood is best only a symptom of other feelings which manifest inside of us.
 
If this describes how you are feeling, here are some preventive measures which may help you deal with the summertime blues:
 
1.  Smiling people may seem to be everywhere, but that's because you do not see the people who may be battling with the same issues as you or others who are just better at hiding their emotions.  Though few people are officially diagnosed with Summer S.A.D. there seems to be a significant population of individuals who encounter feelings of depression during the summer months. Recognizing that you are not alone will hopefully help you normalize how you are feeling and allow you to take some steps to improve your mindset.