How Does the Heat Impact Your Mood?

You have probably heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder- this is a mood disorder that is associated with a specific time of the year (usually the cold winter).  However, did you know that you can have mood and cognitive changes during the hot summers?

A recent article detailed some of the changes that one might expect during the hot months:

Physical changes during the heat are well understood (heat stroke, heat exhaustion, etc.).  10-28% of individuals with heat stroke experience persistent brain damage!

There are several psychological changes that can also occur, including:

• Irritability

• Impulsivity

• Trouble concentrating

• Weight loss and loss of appetite

• Insomnia

Jane Gilbert, the Chief Heat Officer in Miami-Dade County, says, “Extreme heat can make people more depressed or irritable, it can bring on psychotic outbreaks, and people on certain psychiatric medications are more sensitive to heat.”

The heat seems to impact young people at a higher rate. Researchers have found that the Midwest is one of the most affected regions of the country.

A study looked at emergency room visits during the hottest days compared to the coolest days:

• There was an 8% increase in mental health visits (to emergency rooms) during the hottest days of summer.

Disorders that appear to be especially impacted by the heat include:  substance use disorder, anxiety and stress-related disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia and related disorders, self-harm, and childhood behavioral disorders

The heat also has an impact on crime.  A study looking at crime in 28 US cities found that one ‘unexpectedly warm days’:

• 4% increase in robberies

• 9.4% increase in aggravated assaults

• 19.4% increase in homicides

The heat can also impact your cognitive abilities:

• Cognitive tasks (in an office setting) had a 10% decline in an 82.4* office compared to a 75.2* office

• School days that were above 80* were associated with a decrease in achievement (0.07% of the standard deviation)

• This was especially noted in low-income schools

What can you do?

• Be aware of hot the heat may be impacting you.  Acknowledge any changes that you observe!

• Make sure to seek out nature as it is a well-known way to boost your mood (plus, it’s easier to get out in nature in the summer compared to the winter!)

• Work hard not to isolate yourself.  Keep up with your typical schedule and social activities, even if you need to make accommodations/adjustments (like meeting inside instead of outside)

• Seek mental health treatment