Mood disorders, anxiety, stress… Extreme heat can have an impact on both your physical and mental health.
Have you noticed that you’re easily irritable or even depressed when it’s hot? Don’t panic, it’s a little-known but common effect of hot weather!
It’s sunny, it’s hot, but your spirits are low?
Sunshine and warmth are often eagerly awaited during the summer months, as they allow us to make the most of the great outdoors and outdoor activities.
But when the heatwave sets in for the long haul, it’s easy to become disillusioned. The result is permanent discomfort and a feeling of unease!
The American Psychiatric Association states that « Extreme heat has been associated with a range of mental health impacts, including increased irritability and depressive symptoms as well as an increase in suicide. It can also affect behavior, contributing to increased aggression, incidence of domestic violence. »
In addition to the effects of heat on our mental health, the knowledge that it could become a permanent phenomenon due to global warming can damage morale and cause anxiety about the future, as clinical psychologist Smriti Joshi explains.
« There’s a lot of feeling of helplessness and loss of control because of the weather and climate changes that are happening globally and that can trigger a lot of anxiety. »
Signs not to be taken lightly!
Severe heat waves are expected over the next few days. Discover here the signs that heat is affecting your mental health!
- Increased stress,
- Trouble sleeping, even insomnia,
- Feeling tired,
- Irritability,
- Frustration, unease, discomfort,
- Inability to concentrate and think straight.
It’s true that when temperatures remain high at night, sleep is greatly affected! Sleep disturbances are bound to affect your mental health.
The result? We’re seeing more and more annoyed people at the wheel, with people tending to resort to « unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use, excessive alcohol consumption and overconsumption of unhealthy foods, including ice cream, or not eating enough, » explains the psychologist.
What’s more, « heat can lead to heat stroke and dehydration, which can also have an impact on mental health, » she adds.
A word of advice: stay hydrated, avoid physical exertion and keep your house cool!