The Heat's Impact on Mental Health

A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 M E N T A L H E A L T H M I N U T E Mental Health Minute The Heat’s Impact on Mental Health Health experts warn that extreme heat can negatively impact emotional and psychological well-being. It can increase irritability, disrupt sleep, raise stress, and impair concentration— especially during heat waves. For those with existing mental health conditions, symptoms may worsen. Summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder, linked to excessive heat and light, can cause insomnia, agitation, restlessness, and depression. Heat also poses risks for the 1 in 6 Americans taking psychiatric medications. Drugs like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers can hinder temperature regulation and increase dehydration and heat sensitivity, making hot weather more difficult to tolerate. Consider these tips to protect your mental health: • Know your triggers. Monitor how heat impacts you and adjust your routine to avoid the hottest parts of the day. • Stay hydrated. Stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen mood and fatigue. • Stay cool. Use fans, air conditioning, or cool showers to regulate your body temperature. • Watch for warning signs. Watch for signs of heat illness like dizziness, confusion, nausea, or fatigue, and seek help if needed. If your mental health worsens in summer, consult a provider and never change medications without guidance. 401 Pennsylvania Pkwy, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46280 LHDbenefits.com Office: Population Health: [email protected] 8 Ways to Manage Summer Stress While summer often brings a welcome change of pace with warmer weather, longer days, vacation plans and more time outdoors, it can also introduce new stressors for many individuals. The key is learning how to manage such stress. Try these practical tips for coping with summer stress: 1. Stay hydrated and cool – Keep a bottle of water nearby and dress in breathable fabrics. 2. Set boundaries with your time – be intentional about what you commit to and don’t hesitate to say no to events or obligations that feel overwhelming. 3. Maintain a routine – Try to stick to regular sleep, meal and work times to help reduce stress. 4. Create a comfortable work environment – If possible, use fans, adjust lighting and take advantage of natural light to boost your mood and productivity. 5. Take meaningful breaks – Instead of defaulting to screen time, use your short breaks to get water, step outside, stretch or take a few deep breaths. 6. Use vacation time wisely – Don’t let your PTO go unused. Event a short break or staycation can help you recharge. 7. Plan for family and travel logistics – If your planning trips, get organized early. Clear communication with your team and family can help reduce last-minute confusion, tension and stress. 8. Reconnect with nature – Spending time outdoors, even just for a few minutes each day, can help reduce stress and improve clarity.