Extreme heat, one of the most visible consequences of climate change, affects more than physical health. Experts say prolonged periods of high temperatures can worsen mental health conditions, increase emotional stress and heighten risks for vulnerable populations.
"There's a pretty well-established connection in a lot of different areas, but absolutely, heat can affect mental health," said Christopher Drescher, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. "During a heat wave, it can absolutely affect people because it affects our nervous system. We have increased activity in our autonomic nervous system when we're in extreme heat."
the temperature in the environment and in people's moods
According to Ready.gov, prolonged heat is a period of unusually high temperatures and humidity, typically with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.
As climate change drives rising temperatures, sea-level rise, drought, and flooding, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts say communities are likely to face more frequent and intense heat events.
Drescher said one of the most immediate effects of heat waves is dehydration, which can affect a person's mood and overall well-being.
"One of the big ways it really affects us is problems with sleep," Drescher said. "We sleep best when it's cool at night. One of the effects of this increased heat is that it's not cooling off at night. Because it's not cooling off at night, depending on your housing situation, it may be very hard to sleep well."
Poor sleep can have significant effects on mood, anxiety and emotional regulation, he said.
Heat can create additional challenges for people managing mental health conditions. Extreme temperatures can also interact with some psychiatric medications.
"They actually decrease our tolerance to heat, and we can experience more acute effects," Drescher said. "So if you're already having mental health problems and you're on medication, that can be affected even more by these periods of extreme heat."
Over time, repeated exposure to heat can compound those impacts.
"A bad night of sleep might make you irritable or anxious the next day, but you will recover from that," Drescher said. "But if you're piling up lots of bad nights of sleep in a row, you're feeling fatigued because you're working outside in the heat, and you can even have increased inflammation in your body, which is related to both mental and physical health."
If those conditions continue for weeks or months, he said, the effects on mental health can become more significant.
Certain populations face greater risks from heat-related mental health impacts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those groups include:
- People with pre-existing mental illnesses
- Older adults
- Children and adolescents
- People taking certain psychiatric medications
- Individuals with substance use disorders
- Low-income residents without air conditioning
- People experiencing homelessness
- Outdoor workers and athletes
- Socially isolated individuals
Research shows mental health crises can increase during prolonged periods of extreme heat. Drescher said emergency-room visits, suicide attempts and deaths also tend to rise during heat waves.
People with existing mental health conditions may be particularly vulnerable, he added, in part because of medication-related sensitivity to high temperatures.
During extreme heat, the body prioritizes regulating its temperature, which can leave people with less capacity for emotional regulation and cognitive functioning.
"So that's a period of increased vulnerability for mental health symptoms, including more extreme things like mental health crises and events," Drescher said.
The CDC says warning signs of heat-related mental health impacts can include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood that worsens during hot weather;
- Loss of interest in activities, particularly outdoor activities that become uncomfortable or unsafe in the heat;
- Fatigue and low energy;
- Trouble concentrating, memory problems or "brain fog";
- Increased irritability, anger or agitation;
- Sleep disruption;
- Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety or social withdrawal.
Drescher said residents should pay special attention to relatives, friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable during extreme heat events.
"You may just want to check in with other people that you think might be particularly vulnerable," he said. "Older individuals can be more sensitive to heat. They also tend to be on more medications, so they may have more risk as a result."
People who work outdoors and those already living with mental health conditions also face heightened risks, he said.
To reduce the impacts of extreme heat, Drescher recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, staying hydrated and continuing healthy coping strategies.
"If you know that the heat is impacting you, use the coping skills that you have," he said. "Whether that's mindfulness, relaxation exercises, yoga, therapy, or formal mental health services, make sure you're utilizing those during these hotter, more stressful periods."
He also encouraged anyone experiencing a decline in their mental health to seek support.
If you notice that heat is affecting your mood, sleep or overall well-being, Drescher said, reach out for support through trusted friends, family members or healthcare providers before symptoms worsen.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: How extreme heat can affect your mental health | Exclusive
