Have you ever spent time outside and felt your skin sizzle and your scalp burn? Have you felt lightheaded, dizzy, with excessive sweating? These are part of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. It is a severe heat-related illness that requires emergency medical intervention. Heat stroke is the most serious medical condition caused by extreme heat.
Here in Miami, we are blessed with year-round sun but that comes with extreme temperatures and the need to take necessary precautions. During the summers, temperatures of +90 degrees are not uncommon. It is crucial when in these extreme temperatures to take all necessary precautions to prevent requiring medical intervention.
There is another heat related condition called heat stress which we in Miami experience often, especially during the summer months. It is known to affect mood, increase psychological distress and worsen mental health problems. Research has linked high temperatures with memory problems and problems with attention and reaction time. Sleep problems associated with extreme heat can contribute to and further intensify mental health symptoms. It is believed that these heat waves can worsen psychiatric symptoms as well as posing a threat to public health including mental health.
Mental health impacts from extreme heat:
- Increased irritability/crankiness
- Increase in depressive symptoms
- An increase in feelings of hopeless
- Affects behavior including
- Increased aggression/temper flares
- Increased incidence of domestic violence
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Increased use of other substances to cope
Hot days are associated with dehydration, heat exhaustions and in extreme cases, heat stroke. At greater risk are outdoor workers (agricultural workers, construction workers, landscapers). Elderly individuals, pregnant women, individuals with preexisting conditions and people without access to air conditioning are at higher risk.
What to do:
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible
- Use sun block
- Hydrate regularly
- Find places to cool off when needed
- Wear light clothes that are more appropriate for heat and humidity
If you have children:
- Plan indoor activities where there is air conditioning
- If going to the beach monitor your children for signs of heat stress
- Use the public beach shower to quickly doust your child in cool water if they are overheated
- Don’t stay in the sun too long
- Make sure they drink plenty of water
- Use a high SPF sunblock
- Have them wear light clothing
- Limit them to non-strenuous physical activity
- Be vigilant of the symptoms mentioned above
- Remember that you are modeling responsible behavior for your children
- Of note is that children may become more irritable with heat
- Children may also appear more agitated
- More prone to possible temper tantrums
Please consider the heat and the psychological effect in may have on you and others. If you are prone to be irritable, reactive or emotional because of the heat please temper what activities and with whom you chose to be with so as to avoid or minimize potentially overwhelming situations. Modify your plans to areas with air conditioning or schedule early in the morning and in the evenings. By being aware of your reactions and modifying your plans, it can alleviate undesirable outcomes.
It is important to note that individuals with emotional challenges are at greater risk for heat wave related challenges. Psychologists, counselors, and therapists can assist in helping individuals cope with their heat wave vulnerability. We see this relatively often in sunny South Florida. We at the Miami Psychology Group are here to assist you and guide you through the negative impact of the environmental factors.