You might try to distract yourself, but that relentless heat will likely weigh on you — both literally and figuratively. Heatwaves don’t just drain you physically; they take a toll mentally as well. Some people feel simply exhausted or irritable, while others might experience a serious worsening of existing mental health issues.
Heatwaves and Mental Health: What’s the Link?
It’s no coincidence that more research is confirming a connection between extreme heat and mental health struggles. One study found that during heatwaves, emergency rooms see a spike in mental health crises — with the strongest link to increased suicide risk.
Another study suggests heat can lower our environmental awareness and make flexible thinking harder — especially for conditions like psychosis or schizophrenia.
And if that’s not enough: some psychiatric medications — like antidepressants or antipsychotics — can increase heat sensitivity, making symptoms flare up or worsen during summer.
Anger, Irritability, Conflicts
Extreme heat doesn’t just exhaust you — it changes how you behave. Cheryl Groskopf, a therapist in Los Angeles, explains that our brains literally work differently in the heat:
“Brain imaging studies show that extreme heat can alter brain activity and connectivity patterns. This affects memory, attention, and decision-making. We’re quicker to snap at someone or forget things.”
This happens partly because heat affects neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline — which regulate mood and body temperature. Many psychiatric meds target these systems too. Plus, heat ramps up cortisol (the stress hormone), which can increase anxiety and mood swings.
How Do Heatwaves Affect Mood Disorders?
If you live with depression or bipolar disorder, you’ve probably noticed: summer heat doesn’t help. Heat can deepen fatigue and hopelessness in depression. For bipolar disorder, both manic and depressive episodes may intensify. Poor sleep only makes things worse, throwing off your balance even more.
It’s not just diagnosed conditions: sweating, flushing, and discomfort can heighten social anxiety, making you feel even more self-conscious.
Our mental functions don’t peak during heatwaves either. Memory, focus, and decision-making can all decline — concentrating and thinking clearly just get tougher. Studies show work performance and test scores drop when it’s hot.
What Happens to Your Brain Long-Term?
Heat stress can cause inflammation in your body, which over time might harm brain cells. This can lead to memory problems, learning difficulties, and general cognitive decline. In severe cases, like heatstroke, the blood-brain barrier — your brain’s protective shield against harmful substances — can get damaged, putting your nervous system at risk.
How Can You Stay Well in the Heat?
Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to feel better in the heat — both physically and mentally:
- Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Check in on others too, especially older adults who might forget to hydrate.
- Avoid the sun during peak hours, wear light, breathable clothes, and stay in air-conditioned or cool places when you can. If you don’t have AC, visit cooled public spots like libraries or malls.
- Carry a mini fan! It’s super handy, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Relax! Mindful breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques can ease anxiety and tension.
- Talk to your doctor! Some meds (like antidepressants, antipsychotics, lithium) can boost heat sensitivity or interfere with thirst and temperature regulation. Make sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider!
Changing your daily routine can be tough — especially when it involves things you enjoy — but it’s worth it for your mental health.
