Keeping cool can make you blue.
Staying cooped up to avoid the heat can lead to a Sonoran Desert version of seasonal affective disorder, which is known to increase depressive symptoms in colder climates in the winter, a Tucson psychologist says.
"When there's too much heat it can break your normal routine of being outside," says psychologist Margaret Sutherland.
In her 33 years of practice, Sutherland says she's noticed clients complain more about moodiness during the summer when they're stuck indoors.
"It's anecdotal, but it's somewhat of a trend," Sutherland said, noting there are no studies on desert dwellers' moods in summer months.
Laura Waterman, clinical director for Southern Arizona Mental Health Corp., is skeptical.
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"I wouldn't rule it out, but it's sort of a stretch," she said. "Some people are depressed just because they're depressed."
Even though the noon heat is enough to keep others cowering from the sun, it doesn't keep Karen Foss from fresh air and light reading during her lunch hour at Presidio Park.
The 68-year-old Pima County Division of Elections voter-registration worker can't stand to be cooped up.
"I just like to get outside after working inside all day. It's nice to get some fresh air," she said. "I think the more time you spend outside, the more aware you are of your surroundings - the birds, the trees. So you're not dwelling on your problems."
Jeremy Lopez, 34, an Air Force staff sergeant who was transferred recently to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base from San Antonio, avoids too much sun, but says if he stays in his house all day he goes stir-crazy.
"I like to be comfortable," he said. "It's healthier."
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
