Beat the Heat: Navigating Heatwaves for Mental Health Sufferers
Psychological Perils Hidden in Intense Temperatures: Essential Facts You Need to Be Aware Of
Berlin - Heatwaves present more than just a physical strain, they are a significant risk to mental health. According to Andrea Benecke, President of the Federal Association of Psychotherapists (BPtK), extreme heat intensifies stress, sleep disorders, and exacerbates pre-existing mental illnesses.
Professor Euphrosyne Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, President of the German Society of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN), echoes these concerns, stating that individuals with severe mental illnesses have a heightened risk of suffering from heat-related issues.
In a blazing hot summer, it's essential for both sufferers and their families to be mindful of these risks. The BPtK offers these heat safety tips specifically for mental health patients:
- Beat the Heat: Stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous physical activities.
- The Heat's on: Alcohol and drug consumption, as well as intense sports, increase the risk of dehydration and overheating. Avoid these activities when possible on sweltering days, but if you must engage in intense sports, do so at cooler, shaded locations and stay hydrated.
- Medication Matters: Consult your doctor regarding the effects of heat on your medication and consider any necessary dose adjustments.
- Mental Health Contingency Plan: Discuss with your psychotherapist an emergency contact for mental distress situations.
Considering the mental health implications, it's crucial for society to protect vulnerable individuals from heatwave consequences. The Psychotherapists' Chamber Berlin stresses that many of these individuals may not be able to protect themselves adequately due to their illness.
The Heat's (Especially) Harsh on Kids
Children and adolescents are vulnerable heat warriors: their bodies are not fully equipped to regulate heat, causing them to sweat less and dehydrate faster. This increases the risk of heatstroke and circulatory problems. High temperatures can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions, increasing irritability, restlessness, concentration problems, and sleep disorders.
When Does the Heat Go Too Far?
When the perceived temperature rises above 30°C during the day and fails to fall below 20°C at night, heat becomes a potential threat. This dangerous heat can culminate in heat-related health emergencies, requiring immediate assistance. Stay informed, stay cool, and stay safe during the summer heat!
- Mental health sufferers, including children and adolescents, should pay special attention to the risks of heatwaves, as their bodies may not be fully equipped to cope with extreme heat, leading to a higher risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and mental health condition exacerbations.
- In acknowledgement of the critical role society plays in protecting vulnerable individuals during heatwaves, it's essential for mental health patients to work closely with their doctors and psychotherapists to develop heat safety plans and contingency measures for emergencies, given their potential inability to protect themselves adequately.
