Taking the Heat and Not Breaking from It

Contributed by MHM Team

The heat dome that settled over much of the continent in late June is the latest reminder that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense weather extremes across the globe. This includes more destructive hurricanes, blizzards, periods of drought, catastrophic flooding—and increasingly dangerous heat.

But it’s the heat that occupies our minds this time of year.

In the summer of 2023, El Paso went weeks without the temperature dropping below 100°F. Phoenix reported 569 heat-related deaths that same summer. So far this year, France has reported more than 2,000 deaths attributed to its recent heat wave. The toll continues to grow across the world.

At-Risk Communities

We know all too well the physical toll of excessive heat: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Individuals living with chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease are at greater risk.

Heat islands also contribute to greater heat exposure. Common in urban areas like Evansville’s Center City, heat islands are significantly warmer than surrounding areas because there are more buildings and pavements and less green space. Buildings and pavements absorb heat during the day and radiate it back into the environment at night, while trees and other vegetation naturally cool the air through evaporation.

Those struggling with high utility costs, as is the case for many CenterPoint customers, may also face greater health risks if keeping their homes cool becomes financially out of reach.

Heat Affects More Than the Body

What about the mental and emotional effects of excessive heat?

We are only beginning to appreciate those impacts. For individuals who survive heat stroke, there can be long-term cognitive and mental health consequences. A 2022 study published in Nature Reviews found that 10% to 28% of heat stroke survivors experience long-term brain damage.

Individuals prescribed psychotropic medications—used to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other conditions—should also know these medications may reduce the body’s ability to regulate heat. Continue taking medications as prescribed, but remain vigilant about potential heat-related side effects and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable. While they face greater physical risks from extreme heat, they may also experience a heavier mental and emotional burden. A systematic review from the University of Adelaide found a 2.2% increase in mental health-related mortality for every 1.8°F increase in ambient temperature among adults age 65 and older.

A Summer Take on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Many people are familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which most commonly occurs during the winter months and is tied to reduced daylight. Summer-related depression is less common and not as well understood.

The two forms present differently. Winter SAD often includes increased appetite, weight gain, and excessive sleeping. Summer-associated depression tends to involve reduced appetite, weight loss, and insomnia.

Some neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, play important roles in both mood regulation and temperature regulation. As Kelly Rohan, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Vermont, explains, “Maybe there is some dysfunction in one or more of those neurotransmitter systems that confers a risk of depression as well as the inability to tolerate heat and humidity.”

Heat Can Trigger Stress for Anyone

Regardless of whether someone has a diagnosed mental health condition, studies indicate that excessive heat can worsen symptoms.

A review of emergency room visits found an 8% increase in mental health-related visits on the hottest days of summer compared to the coolest. Conditions exacerbated by heat included substance use disorders, anxiety and stress-related disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, childhood behavioral disorders, and self-harm.

Even people without a diagnosis may experience irritability, impulsivity, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making. Heat also disrupts sleep, creating a cycle that further affects emotional regulation.

A study conducted in California and Nairobi found participants in hotter environments were more likely to make destructive decisions that offered no personal benefit. Researchers continue to find that excessive heat slows response times, reduces accuracy, and affects cognitive performance.

What You Can Do

While extreme heat cannot always be avoided, there are practical steps everyone can take to reduce the risks.

• Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty.
• Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces or visit a local cooling center if your home becomes too hot.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Early recognition can save lives.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Whenever possible, schedule outdoor work or exercise during the morning or evening hours.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Loose-fitting clothing helps your body regulate temperature more effectively.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you take medications that affect hydration or your body’s ability to regulate heat, ask about precautions during periods of extreme heat.
• Check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones. Older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those without reliable cooling may need extra support during heat waves.

Looking Beyond Individual Action

Taking precautions today helps protect ourselves and those around us. At the same time, communities can reduce future risks by addressing the conditions that make extreme heat more dangerous.

Investments in more green space, expanded tree canopy, and reflective building and road surfaces can reduce urban heat islands and lower neighborhood temperatures. Improving equitable access to affordable cooling is also an important part of protecting public health.

These are long-term solutions to a problem we are experiencing today. As periods of extreme heat become more common, protecting both our physical and mental well-being will require individual action alongside community-wide efforts. Understanding the connection between environmental conditions and human health is one step toward building healthier, more resilient communities.