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Can heat cause anxiety? Is it true that an anxious person feels worse during a heatwave? How can someone move in the direction of healthier thoughts and behaviors when their body is suffering from high temperatures?
Let us take a look at how hot weather can impact your mental health, trigger mental health problems, or worsen a mood disorder you have lived with for a while.
The Science Behind Heat-Induced Anxiety
While anxiety is a very natural reaction to stress – cumulative stress in particular – it becomes a serious issue when it does not leave your mind and body for hours and days. Our mood heavily depends on our environment, and when you have a negative interaction with someone, worry about an upcoming exam, or struggle in a toxic household, your anxiety and stress will wreak havoc on your well-being.
Heat is not an exception – it results in cortisol increase, and since this hormone is responsible for your body’s stress response, you may have to deal with the onset of anxiety symptoms or feel even more stressed than usual.
Hot weather – especially in summer – aggravates the mental state of an anxious person. They may have a different schedule and routine which disrupt their day-to-day functioning, they might have too many social gatherings to attend or receive no invitations from friends and colleagues which will make them feel isolated and unwanted, and they may feel self-conscious about their looks in case they feel forced to wear revealing clothing during the warm months.
How High Temperatures Affect Mental Health
Climate change whether it is sudden or expected can be very hard on a person’s psyche. Be particularly mindful of your mental wellness during high heat if you are already managing the symptoms of a chronic disease, taking medication with severe side effects, expecting a baby, or relying on alcohol and drugs to keep you emotionally stable – all these factors will lead to mood fluctuations and increased irritability. The heat affects serotonin levels and cognitive function which means people who already struggle may go through a particularly tough time during the summer.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Anxiety
Heat-induced anxiety is easy to recognize even before you talk to a mental health professional to confirm your diagnosis and find a course of treatment that helps you combat this disorder during any season. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms when you suspect heat is about to take a toll on your mental wellness:
- Restlessness and intrusive worrying. You cannot sit still or stay focused on a specific task when you feel hot.
- Tiredness and fatigue. Even if you feel exhausted on a regular basis, your condition might worsen when you are exposed to heat.
- Headaches and migraines. Studies have confirmed that If you are exposed to the sun for a long time, you have not drunk enough, or you have to be physically active, one of these factors or their combination may cause a lasting headache.
- Excessive sweating. Your body will release cortisol and adrenaline which will make you sweat particularly when you are outside for hours.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness. These manifestations are arguably the scariest ones since you cannot stop yourself from fainting after spending time in hot rooms with no air conditioning.
Strategies to Manage Anxiety During Hot Weather
Thankfully, there are ways to lessen the symptoms of anxiety even during the hottest months of the year:
| Advice | Description |
| Avoid Dehydration | Instead of drinking tea, juice, soda, or alcoholic beverages, enjoy cold water – track your intake, bring a bottle of water every time you venture outside, and drink before you go to bed so that you are hydrated even during the night hours |
| Get Proper Clothing for Hot Weather | Your clothes do not have to be revealing during summer – all you have to do is find fabrics that do not weigh a lot and opt for a looser fit so that your garment does not stick to your body. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are the best choice for a hot climate |
| Limit Caffeine Intake | If you consume too much caffeine, it will negatively affect your temperature regulation – the likelihood of heat exhaustion or heat stroke is much higher when you rely on coffee or energy drinks to get you through the day |
| Devote Time to Relaxation | Easier said than done but see how your mind and body respond to mindfulness-based therapy you can master on your own – you can meditate, do yoga, or learn to breathe in a specific way to respond more adaptively to stressors |
| Seek Professional Help | The beginning of a heat season may be the right time for you to take your mental health seriously and navigate uncharted emotional territory under the guidance of a therapist |
The Role of Hydration in Combating Anxiety in Heat
Can heat cause anxiety if a person forgets to drink enough water? Certainly – if there is not enough water in your system, it is not only your physical health that is in danger, your mental stability is at risk as well. People who get in the habit of drinking a few bottles of water every day are more calm and less tense during the season of heat – moreover, it can be a great habit in general so you should keep up with a proper water intake during all times of the year.
Long-Term Implications of Heat Exposure on Mental Well-Being
Can heat cause anxiety in addition to other mental health issues? Unfortunately, the answer is yes – if you are exposed to high temperatures with no relief, your health will deteriorate in many ways:
| Adverse Effect | Description |
| Depression | Anxiety can easily transform into depression when the heat is unbearable. The stress you are under as well as an inability to find a way out will add to the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness so make sure you get professional advice in case these emotions persist |
| Lack of Motivation | It is hard to find a reliable way to replenish your energy when you are focused on cooling your body down. You will feel indifferent, unenthusiastic, and unfocused as you are taking care of your daily obligations or interacting with other people |
| Sleep Disturbances | Your sleep cycles will be disrupted during summer so ventilate your apartment several times a day, take a cold shower before sleeping, and get a cooling mattress to avoid excessive sweating at night |
| Physical Complications | The interconnectedness of a person’s mental well-being and physical health cannot be denied. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that heat may cause many underlying health issues to manifest themselves for the first time so you have to be extra careful to prevent cardiovascular diseases, infections, and asthma |
Ready to Make a Change? Contact Pacific Coast Mental Health Today
Whether your anxiety bothers you throughout the year or you are only stressed when you check the weather forecast and see a heatwave coming, talking to a mental health professional about your concerns and learning coping mechanisms that can help you address your problems in a healthy way is a smart idea.
Reach out to Pacific Coast Mental Health now – together we will find a way to restore a sense of balance you are missing during hot weather and give you an opportunity to resolve inner conflicts you have been struggling with for a long time.
FAQs
How does heat-induced stress contribute to anxiety levels?
Regardless of the trigger that causes you to feel anxious, your condition may deteriorate during hot weather – your heart beats faster, and you struggle to breathe normally when it is too hot outside so if your anxiety manifests through physical symptoms, you have to take it under your control.
What are the signs of temperature-related anxiety during a heatwave?
Irritability and anxiety to the point of a depressive episode, lack of concentration, inability to sleep, and aggressiveness in communication with other people are common symptoms of anxiety caused by heat.
How can summer anxiety affect mental health during hot weather?
Days are longer, vacations are not always enjoyable, the people you are close to may leave town for a while, and you are forced to wear clothes you find uncomfortable – a person with an anxiety disorder feels an array of unsettling emotions during the summer months.
What strategies can help manage heat exposure and anxiety in high temperatures?
Coming up with a routine and schedule to get your life back on track, drinking enough water and eating healthy foods, staying away from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, and taking a cold shower whenever your body feels overheated will help you feel better.
How does thermal discomfort impact mental well-being and create climate anxiety?
It is hard to work or study in a warm climate – it is even harder to avoid feelings of inadequacy and remain connected to yourself when the weather gets overwhelming. Your morale is low, and your body is just as exhausted as your mind is – know when the temperature is changing and prepare to combat these unpleasant sensations in advance.
