By Cindy Krischer Goodman | South Florida Sun Sentinel
In the midst of scorching heat, Jan Cox finds herself slipping into a state of depression.
“Relief seems impossible,” said Cox, a lifelong resident of Central Florida who has given up her beloved gardening and outdoor activities as Florida’s heat index continues to break records.
The 79-year-old acknowledges that the unrelenting heat this summer has taken a toll on her mental well-being. “I try not to dwell on it, but it’s an ever-present feeling,” she shared.
While health officials warn about the physical dangers of extreme heat, such as heat stroke and exhaustion, the connection between high temperatures and mental health issues is just as concerning.
Research indicates that the combination of sweltering temperatures and oppressive humidity can affect everything from everyday moods to the risk of experiencing a mental health crisis or self-harm.
“It has been scientifically proven that prolonged hot weather can lead to depression,” stated Dr. Charles Raison, who has conducted research on heat intolerance and seasonal depression. “There seems to be a correlation between the system that regulates body temperature and mood.”
Dr. Raison, a psychiatry professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, explained that people with mental illnesses often struggle with thermal regulation. “Our data shows that individuals with depression generally have higher body temperatures and sweat less. Therefore, being depressed may make it difficult for them to tolerate heat.”
The correlation between heat and mental health is still being studied as scientists explore whether Americans possess the necessary coping mechanisms to deal with heatwaves as climate change progresses.
Emergency room doctors, like Dr. Brian Drummond in Tucson, Arizona, have observed patients exhibiting manic behavior, anger, and severe depression as frequently as cases of heat stroke this summer. “It’s the combination of heat and other stressors,” he remarked.
An investigation of over 2.2 million individuals who visited emergency departments in the United States over a ten-year period until 2019 revealed an 8% increase in mental health-related visits for both men and women on the hottest summer days, according to research published in JAMA Psychiatry in February. Earlier studies have also established that individuals with schizophrenia are more vulnerable to heat and are at a higher risk of hospitalization. Furthermore, certain psychiatric medications can elevate body temperature, posing significant risks when combined with extreme heat.
Dr. Johannes Vieweg, the dean of the Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, witnesses the impact of daily record high temperatures on students, teachers, drivers, and individuals who work or spend time outdoors. “Chronic heat has various effects on the body,” he acknowledged. “Whether it be hormonal or chemical, stress can manifest itself as depression.”
Scientific studies are investigating both brain function and behavior as triggers for mental health issues. Does hotter weather lead to increased isolation? Do people exercise less and consume less healthy food? Or does something happen in the brain that exacerbates mental health symptoms?
Experts believe that poor-quality sleep may be a crucial link between extremely hot days and declines in mental health.
“There is a close relationship between sleep and temperature,” explained Jamie Tartar, a research director at NSU’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. “Extreme temperatures can disrupt sleep quality, and any disruption in sleep can negatively impact mood. During the nighttime, it’s essential to keep the bedroom cool and dark.”
Genetics may also influence an individual’s ability to withstand the adverse effects of high temperatures.
Thomas E. Bernard, a public health professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, believes that some individuals are naturally better equipped to handle high temperatures. However, he suggests taking steps to build tolerance, such as improving cardiovascular capacity and staying hydrated.
Recognizing one’s mental and physical limits is paramount this summer, Bernard emphasized.
For any inquiries, please reach out to Cindy Goodman, health reporter at the Sun Sentinel: [email protected].
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