Psychological Hazard: Unmasking the Hidden Perils of Intense Heat Exposure
Heatwaves and Mental Health: A Concern for Vulnerable Groups
Sizzling summer days may not just drain your energy, they could potentially harm your mental health too, particularly for folks with pre-existing mental illnesses and children. Here's a quick lowdown on the heat-mental health connection and preventive measures.
The Heat-Mental Health Link
Mental Health Challenges:
- Aggravated Symptoms: Heat can amplify mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, making psychiatric emergencies more common and increasing suicide risk [1][5].
- Medication Impact: Some medications like antipsychotics and antidepressants can influence the body's temperature regulation, augmenting the risk of heat-related illnesses [5].
- Isolation and Sleep Disruption: Exposure to excessive heat can result in social isolation and sleep pattern disruptions, negatively affecting mental well-being [3][5].
Children at Risk:
- Heightened Stress and Anxiety: Children may feel increased stress and anxiety due to the discomfort caused by extreme heat [3].
- Temperature Regulation Issues: Children's bodies struggle to regulate heat, making them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and related mental health problems [2].
- Developmental Impact: Prolonged exposure to heat stress might affect cognitive and emotional development in children.
Guarding Against the Heat
General Precautions:
- Hydration: Encourage drinking lots of water to avert dehydration.
- Cooling Methods: Utilize fans, air conditioners, or cold compresses to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Time of Day: Avoid venturing out during the hottest part of the day.
- Temperature Monitoring: Keep an eye on body temperature for signs of heat-related illnesses.
Specific Measures for Adults with Mental Illnesses:
- Medication Management: Ensure medication is taken as prescribed and consult a healthcare provider about potential heat hazards.
- Support Network: Maintain social connections to reduce isolation and provide emotional support.
- Heat Action Plan: Develop a plan for managing heat-related mental health symptoms and emergencies.
Child-friendly Precautions:
- Supervision: Watch children closely to ensure they are well-hydrated and aren't showing signs of heat distress.
- Shaded Activities: Engage children in indoor or shaded activities to avoid overheating.
- Education: Educate children about heat safety and the importance of staying cool.
To shield vulnerable populations effectively, communities should implement comprehensive Heat-Health Action Plans that incorporate mental health support and tackle the unique needs of at-risk individuals.
[1] Psych Central, (2015), "How Heat Waves Affect Mental Health," by John M. Grohol, Ph.D.[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2019), "Children and Heat," accessed on 27 May 2022[3] American Academy of Pediatrics, (2018), "Heat Safety: Protecting Your Child from Hot Weather," accessed on 27 May 2022[4] World Health Organization (WHO), (2018), "Mental Health and Extreme Events: Increasing Organizational Readiness and Resilience," accessed on 27 May 2022[5] National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), (2021), "Extreme Heat and Mental Health Fact Sheet," accessed on 27 May 2022
- The aggravated symptoms of pre-existing mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, can be amplified during heatwaves due to the body's disrupted temperature regulation, increasing suicide risk and the likelihood of psychiatric emergencies.
- Children may experience heightened stress and anxiety due to extreme heat, in addition to developmental impact from prolonged exposure to heat stress, and having difficulty regulating their body temperature, making them more susceptible to heat-related mental health problems and heat exhaustion.
