Sweltering Summer Temperatures Affecting Mental Health, Particularly in the Elderly Population
In the sweltering summer heat, it's not just physical health that's at risk. Prolonged periods of high temperatures can have a significant impact on mental health, a connection that is becoming increasingly clear to scientists and researchers worldwide.
This summer, many countries, including the United States, have experienced exceptionally hot weather. In July 2023, nearly every day in Las Vegas surpassed 100 degrees, a testament to the intensity of the heatwaves we've been experiencing.
The link between prolonged heatwaves and mental health issues is consistent globally, suggesting that elevated temperatures may influence the brain in ways we don't yet fully understand. One of the primary ways heat affects mental health is by increasing stress hormones like cortisol, which heightens agitation, anxiety, and mood instability. It worsens symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and can raise suicide risk.
People with existing mental health conditions face significantly greater morbidity and mortality risks during heat exposure, partly because many psychiatric medications impair the body’s ability to regulate heat, increasing vulnerability to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Older adults are particularly susceptible to these effects. They not only experience higher physical risks from heat but also disproportionally experience worsened mental health outcomes such as elevated anxiety and depression during heat waves. Cognitive decline and sleep disturbances are more common among older adults under heat stress.
These findings highlight an urgent need for targeted preventive strategies during prolonged heat events to protect mental health, particularly for older adults and those with pre-existing mental illness.
Simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference. Regular phone calls help maintain emotional bonds and let people know they're not forgotten. Offering help with repairs or errands can ease stress, especially for those who are busy, unwell, or overwhelmed. Preparing and sharing healthy meals, including drinks, provides practical help and creates an opportunity to connect.
Teaching a skill or hobby can build confidence and bring joy. Making and delivering care packages with snacks, toiletries, or small gifts can brighten someone's day. Donating toys, books, or games offers comfort, entertainment, and a mental break, especially for families or those stuck indoors.
Remembering special dates like birthdays or anniversaries shows you care and helps others feel valued and remembered. Inviting others on local outings offers a simple way to reconnect and refresh.
In ancient Greek and Roman societies, the "Dog Days of Summer" were believed to bring drought, misfortune, and even madness, a state we now recognize as mental illness. Today, we can take steps to mitigate these effects, looking out for our neighbours, especially older adults or those with health issues who are often isolated and vulnerable.
As Howard Diamond, a certified peer specialist from Long Island, New York, emphasizes, "It's important to remember that small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact."
In addition to these personal actions, there are broader steps we can take to combat the effects of heatwaves on mental health. Checking and replacing filters at the start of summer improves air quality. Spending time in air-conditioned places, whether at home or at public cooling centres and libraries, can prevent heat-related emergencies. Scientists and researchers are also studying the impact of prolonged heatwaves on brain function, particularly sleep disruption, which seems to be a clear consequence.
By understanding the connection between heatwaves and mental health, we can take proactive steps to protect ourselves and others during these challenging times.
- The science behind the effects of climate change, such as prolonged heatwaves, on mental health is being extensively studied in the field of environmental science, revealing a link between thermal stress and the escalation of mental health issues like agitation, anxiety, mood instability, and depression.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial to acknowledge the heightened vulnerability of older adults and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions during heatwaves, as their physical risks from heat are compounded by worsened mental health outcomes.
- To promote the overall well-being of those affected, smaller actions can have significant impact, such as regular phone calls, volunteering to help with repairs or errands, preparing and sharing healthy meals, teaching a skill or hobby, and making care packages, all serving to combat isolation and alleviate stress during challenging environmental conditions.
