How Heat Wave Temperatures Affect Your Mental Health

We often consider the adverse effects global warming and climate change are having on the environment – and rightly so. But, have you ever wondered how heat wave temperatures affect our mental health? 

Psychologists predict the continued rise in global temperatures will increase anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and stress. 

It’s a bit of a domino effect; as one thing triggers the other, it could compound ongoing difficulties. But, your mental health matters so let’s see what can be done to combat these challenges.

Heat Wave Temperatures and Mental Health

The human body works hard to maintain an equal balance throughout its entire system. Extreme heat can negatively impact this balance, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. 

Not only do these ailments negatively impact our bodies, they also impact our brain function. The brain requires a stable environment to transmit neurons and carry out other activities and severe temperature fluctuations can disrupt its processes, leading to mood disorders. 

Anxiety

Extreme summer heat can trigger an anxious state in many ways. One of the first things that can happen is an increased heart rate, which mimics an anxiety attack. Sweating and heart palpitations can create anxiety all on their own. 

When you factor in not knowing when the heat will let up, or if it will increase, it only exacerbates an already-anxious state. People who already suffer with pre-existing conditions are even more likely to struggle during these times. 

Depression

Speaking of the fear of the unknown, that, too, can contribute to depression. When helplessness and despair come into the equation, it becomes a little bit more challenging to handle everyday tasks. 

Sometimes, economic hardship can strike when heat waves hit. For example, utility bills may rise, leading to more anxiousness and depression. 

There’s also a chance that people will isolate more because it’s simply too hot to go outside and do the things they’d normally do with the community of people around them. A lack of social interaction and an abandonment of normal activities can also contribute to an overall feeling of depression. 

Aggression

Have you ever heard of the heat hypothesis? Research suggests there’s a link between high heat and increased irritability. 

It’s easy to become more irritable when you’re uncomfortable and sweating more profusely. Unfortunately, this can lead to an increased number of acts of aggression. 

How to Protect Your Mental Health

It’s not all doom and gloom. There are a number of things you can do to help your body remain in balance – including your mind, body, and spirit. Let’s explore a few summer health tips. 

Stay Hydrated

One of the best things you can do to protect your mental health during a heat wave is to remain hydrated. Be vigilant about drinking more water when the temperatures rise. 

One of the first symptoms of dehydration is a headache. Certainly, persistent headaches can eventually take a toll on your overall mental health and wellbeing. Staying hydrated is step number one. 

Stay Cool

Thankfully, most of the western world enjoys the benefits of air conditioning. If you can run the air conditioning in your own home, as well as a few fans, that should create a comfortable environment. 

If you need to be cautious about your electric bill, try to visit public spaces with air conditioning. This could be someplace free like your local library. Or, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to a day at the movies to enjoy the comforts of a large theater. 

Take a look at your local weather news at night so you’ll know what to expect the next day. Come back a few times throughout your daily activities to see when there will be a little bit of a reprieve in the heat wave weather forecast. 

Examine Your Schedule

Are there things you can do to adjust your schedule? For example, do you like to water the grass after you pick the kids up from school? The trick is to avoid being out in the sun during the peak hours of the day: 10 am - 4 pm. 

Try to plan your outdoor activities for early in the morning or later in the evening. If you enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise, try to get up a little bit earlier to ensure you’re beating the worst of the heat. 

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

If you’ve had to be out there and endure the heat, perhaps going to and from work, try to practice a little mindfulness or meditation after you’ve returned home and cooled off. 

Deep breathing, quiet meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and even reading can help promote a sense of calm. There are a number of YouTube tutorials and apps out there to help you get started for free. 

Stay Connected

Even if you find yourself isolating more and staying indoors, don’t remove yourself from your social circles. Invite friends over after work, instead of going out somewhere in the city. 

Pick up the phone and have a conversation with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Keep your texts and social media posts alive to remain engaged the way you normally would. This can ward off any creeping feelings of depression or anxiety. 

It’s never a bad idea to conduct research for mental health counseling near me. There are likely many trained professionals in your area who can help you find a way to cope with any sort of difficulty you’re dealing with, whether it’s heat-related or not. 

Stay Safe Out There

Whether you’re dealing with extreme heat wave temperatures or extreme cold, we hope you’ll stay safe out there. Take it easy on yourself, go slow, and do whatever it takes to protect your physical and mental health. 

For more on the detriments of global warming and how to safely navigate the changing climate, keep coming back to review our weather updates. With daily postings, we do everything we can to help keep you and your loved ones safe.