Hot Weather and Mental Health: The Impact of Extreme Heat on The Mind

A heat wave is affecting parts of the United States, including the Southwest and Southeast, as well as parts of Europe. The heat not only affects us physically, but it can also cause harm to our mental well-being. While applying sunscreen and staying hydrated is helpful, excessive heat can impact our mood and cognitive abilities. In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of extreme heat on our minds and give tips on how to mitigate them. Here are a few impacts of extreme heat on mental health:

Increased Irritability and Symptoms of Depression: 

Extreme heat can increase the feeling of irritability and exacerbate symptoms of depression, leading to an increase in discomfort, stress, frustration, helplessness, and low mood. 

Sleep Disturbances:

High temperatures can cause sleep problems like insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality can worsen mental health symptoms, such as irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

Elevated Suicide Rates: 

Studies have shown that there is a link between high temperatures and a rise in suicide rates. High temperatures can contribute to increased psychological stress, reduced impulse control, and impaired coping mechanisms, all of which increase suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Increased Stress, Anger, and Fatigue:

Elevated temperatures can cause increased stress, anger, fatigue, irritation, emotional tension, and mental exhaustion due to the physiological strain of heat on the body.

Aggression and Domestic Violence:   

Heightened aggression and increased domestic violence are linked to extreme heat. The discomfort and tension from heat can worsen existing conflicts and lead to aggressive behavior.

Cognitive Impairment:

High temperatures can lead to problems with memory, attention, and reaction time. Heat stress can negatively affect cognitive functions, making it difficult for individuals to concentrate, make decisions, and perform tasks effectively.

Substance Use Increase:

During heat waves, people may feel uncomfortable and stressed out. In such situations, some individuals may consume substances such as alcohol or drugs to alleviate their discomfort. 

Community Mental Health and Well-being:

Higher temperatures can harm the community's mental health and well-being. The stress and social disruption caused by extreme heat can lead to declining community support systems and cohesion.

Long-Term Implications:

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can have long-term consequences for mental health. Heat waves can cause chronic stress and sleep problems, which can ultimately lead to the development of long-term mental health disorders.

Heat Waves Vulnerabilities and Risks for Those in Need

During scorching hot days, it's not just physical health that we should be worried about. People with serious mental health issues might find coping with the extreme heat even more challenging. It can be tough for them to make sound decisions or take care of themselves, which could put them at risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Studies reveal that individuals who already suffer from mental health problems such as dementia are at a higher risk of being hospitalized or ending up in the emergency room during a heatwave. The intense heat alone could make them more susceptible to getting seriously ill. It's essential to watch your loved ones and check in with them during hot weather, especially if they have existing mental health issues.

Some people with mental health issues might be unable to handle their body temperature well due to their condition. So, you might see people who are dealing with mental health problems wearing heavy clothes even on hot days. Certain medications that help with mental health problems can also mess with the body's ability to deal with heat. 

Tips For Safeguarding Your Mental Well-being During Extreme Temperatures

1. Keep yourself hydrated and cool by using fans or air-conditioned spaces. Being physically comfortable can help reduce irritability and stress.
2. Practice self-care techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation exercises to manage stress and anxiety caused by high temperatures.
3. Adjust your daily routine to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Plan activities during cooler hours to prevent cognitive fatigue caused by heat.
4. To improve the quality of your sleep, create a comfortable sleeping environment and establish a consistent bedtime routine. Addressing sleep difficulties can prevent negative memory, attention, and mood impacts.
5. Identify early signs of irritability, frustration, shortened attention span, and memory issues. Address these indicators to prevent mental health symptoms from worsening.
6. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists and psychiatrists can offer techniques to cope with heat-related mental health challenges.
7. Spread awareness about the mental health effects of extreme heat to foster a more supportive community.