Do you feel miserable in the sweltering heat of summer? It’s not just you. Millions of people’s mental health is affected by the heat, and not for the better. As temperatures rise due to climate change, the impact of extreme heat on our physical health is widely acknowledged. Heat-related illnesses and fatalities are frequently reported. However, what often goes unnoticed is the profound toll that heat can take on mental health. When exposed to high temperatures, the body’s thermoregulatory system is challenged. As it struggles to cool down, individuals can experience symptoms like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These physical consequences can, in turn, have a direct impact on mental health.
Today, we’re going to explore this under-discussed challenge to mental health. Simply knowing why you might be struggling with your mental health can go a long way toward understanding and treating it.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions
High temperatures can trigger or exacerbate anxiety and panic disorders. The physical discomfort associated with heat can lead to restlessness and a sense of unease. Moreover, the fear of heat-related health issues can escalate into full-blown panic attacks, especially in those who are prone to anxiety.
Depression can also be impacted by the heat. Prolonged exposure to oppressive heat can deepen feelings of depression. Isolation caused by avoiding outdoor activities and social gatherings can intensify loneliness and despair, contributing to the vicious cycle of depression.
Good sleep is important for mental health, but sleep patterns are highly sensitive to temperature changes. In hot weather, individuals may experience sleep disturbances, leading to sleep disorders such as insomnia. Sleep deprivation, in turn, can have severe repercussions on mental health, including major cognitive impairment– another problem that heat can make worse.
Cognitive Impairment
Extreme heat has been linked to cognitive impairment, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making. The brain’s ability to function optimally is compromised when the body is struggling to maintain its core temperature. As cognitive abilities decline, individuals may experience heightened frustration and anxiety, making daily tasks seem insurmountable.
Behavioral Changes
Heat can trigger aggression and irritability, even in individuals who are typically calm and composed. The discomfort and physical stress caused by high temperatures can lower the threshold for irritability, leading to conflicts in personal and professional relationships. This heightened irritability can strain social bonds, exacerbating feelings of isolation and distress.
Medication Interaction
Many psychiatric medications don’t work as well in your body when it’s hot out. These medications make you more sensitive to heat and more susceptible to heatstroke. Unfortunately, these medications include SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). These medications are often the first line that doctors prescribe for mental health conditions– so if you’re on one of these medications, just be aware that they are less effective when it’s hot out.
Vulnerable Populations
Certain populations are more vulnerable to the mental health impacts of heat, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions. The elderly, for instance, often have limited mobility and may lack access to air conditioning, making them more susceptible to heat-related mental health issues. Similarly, children may struggle to cope with extreme heat, leading to increased irritability and emotional distress.
Climate Change and Mental Health
The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves are directly linked to climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, the mental health consequences of heat will become more pronounced. This presents a significant public health challenge that must be addressed. Climate change anxiety can also exacerbate the problem, creating a negative feedback loop of feelings of doom and despair. This emotional concern can be overwhelming and very challenging to deal with without help.
Dealing with Heat and Mental Health
Heat can have a major impact on mental health, but there are strategies you can use to minimize this impact.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate anxiety and irritability, so proper hydration is essential in hot weather to prevent mental health issues.
- Cooling Centers: Many communities have established cooling centers where individuals can escape the heat. These centers provide a safe and cool environment for those at risk.
- Education and Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help people recognize the signs of heat-related mental health issues and encourage them to seek help.
- Green Spaces: Increasing the availability of green spaces can provide shaded areas for outdoor activities, promoting social interaction and mental well-being. Community initiatives to plant shade trees can also help. Trees can drop an area’s temperature by almost 3 degrees and provide a place that feels more comfortable than being outside in the sun.
Finally, if you’re experiencing distress during hot weather, you should seek help. Therapy can be extremely helpful for developing the coping skills and resiliency you need to deal with the challenges to mental health that extreme heat can pose. If you’re struggling with heat-related (or any other) mental health challenges, reach out to the therapy team at LoveHealGrow. Our expert staff of caring practitioners is here for you.
