It’s Not Just the Heat: How Extreme Temperatures Affect Your Mental Health
Updated: Sep 2
A recurring vacation theme with our son when he was younger was always, “Can we move here?” I’m sure you will agree—vacations are fun! One year, however, we were visiting the outdoor exhibits in Washington, D.C. during the summer heat. We had our backpack with water and sunscreen, ready for the warm weather—or so we thought.
My son kept asking if we could go into the stores. I didn’t think much of it the first time he asked, but I quickly realized the heat was getting to him. He was not a happy camper and eventually protested his misery, asking rhetorically, “Why would anybody want to live here?”
I could feel his anguish on that particularly blazing summer day. And looking back, it was a simple reminder that sometimes we experience the effects of extreme heat emotionally before we recognize what’s happening physically.
Have you ever noticed that you’re more irritable, tired, or mentally foggy when it’s extremely hot?
You’re not imagining it. Intense heat can put our physical and mental health at risk, and it can also affect our behavior. According to Dr. Jesse Bracamonte of the Mayo Clinic, extreme heat and humidity can increase our core body temperature, contribute to dehydration, and potentially lead to heat exhaustion or the more serious condition of heatstroke.
But the effects of extreme heat don't stop with our physical health. Research shows that high temperatures can also affect our mood, sleep, ability to cope with stress, and cognitive functioning.
Excessive heat can affect our mental health, including our mood, and may increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Heat can also contribute to significant irritability and put people at a greater risk for PTSD and suicide. In addition, warm weather disrupts our sleep, making it hard to fall asleep and leaving us unable to get the proper rest our bodies need. We wake up feeling fatigued and not at our best to tackle the day’s responsibilities. Taking proactive steps can help protect both your physical and mental health.
What does the research say?
Several research studies have found a strong association between higher temperatures and mental health. A 2022 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that emergency room visits for mental health conditions increased during extremely hot days. [Read the study “ER visits for mental health conditions rise during extremely hot days.”]
Studies also indicate that rising temperatures can contribute to the “brain fog” many people experience, affecting cognitive functioning. Research suggests that high temperatures can make it harder to cope with stress and may negatively affect academic and work performance.
Extreme heat can have serious consequences for physical health as well. In a 2023 report, Maricopa County reported “A record-breaking 569 deaths have been confirmed as heat-associated.”
High temperatures can also affect our mood, behavior, and cognitive functioning. For some people, certain psychiatric medications may also increase sensitivity to heat or interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. This is another reason to be aware of your personal risk factors and talk with your healthcare provider about how to stay safe during periods of extreme heat.
One of the most immediate concerns during hot weather is dehydration, which can lead to heat exhaustion and, if left untreated, heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.
You might have heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Some people experience feelings of sadness or changes in mood when the seasons begin or end. Did you know that in addition to winter depression there is also summer depression? Some of the depression symptoms one may experience are feelings of sadness, irritability, hopelessness, loss of energy, loss of interest in activities one normally enjoys doing, difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or eating, physical symptoms, and even thoughts of suicide.
Questions to Consider
As you think about the ways extreme heat can affect both your physical and mental well-being, take a moment to consider:
How have you been coping during prolonged periods of high temperatures?
Do you have a safety plan in place to protect your physical and mental health?
Have you noticed any seasonal changes in your mood, sleep, energy, or interest in activities you typically enjoy?
10 Safety Tips to Protect Your Health
1. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
2. Wear loose clothing that is also light and use sunglasses and head covering
3. Take a cool shower or bath
4. Use sunscreen
5. Stay in the shade
6. Go to places that have AC, such as a mall or a museum
7. Limit outdoor activities during peak heat times
8. Take advantage of fun indoor activities, such as reading a book or watching a movie
9. Plan meals that don’t require the use of an oven
10. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle
As you consider the effects a hot summer day can have on your physical and mental well-being, know your own personal risk factors. Do you have any medical conditions that could put you at a higher risk? Are you taking any psychiatric medications? Do you experience seasonal affective disorder? If you have health problems that would put you at greater risk, talk to your primary healthcare physician about how you can best protect yourself during hot weather.
Know the warning signs
It's important to “learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them” and who is most affected by them. Do your research and know what signs to look for. The CDC has a helpful guide to recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses. [Learn the signs and symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.]
Take a few minutes to learn the warning signs. You may be able to help yourself or someone else when it matters most.
"Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you." 1 Cor. 6:19
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