SUNDAY, Aug. 11, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- As Americans sweat through another scorching summer, one expert warns that while extreme heat can cause physical harm it can also wreak havoc with your mental health. Sizzling temperatures can make anyone irritable, but it can be far worse for some, especially those with mental health conditions, said , executive vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Excessive heat can trigger feelings of anger, irritability, aggression, discomfort, stress and fatigue because of its impact on serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates your sleep, mood and behaviors, Shah noted. The most vulnerable groups include people with preexisting mental health conditions and people who abuse alcohol or other drugs. “All mental illnesses increase with heat because it results in more fatigue, irritability and anxiety, and it can exacerbate depressive episodes,” Shah explained in a Baylor news release.
What are the signs of impending trouble? They tend to start with irritability, decreased motivation, aggressive behavior and sometimes mental fogging. In worse cases, confusion and disorientation occur, Shah noted. While avoiding the heat may not be possible, Shah recommends hydrating and keeping your head covered when going outside.
If it gets too hot, pour some water on your head to cool down and try doing things in the shade. If you normally go for walks outside, try walking i.