Studies have found links between rising temperatures and a range of mental health issues
By Barbara Pierce
These are the hottest days on earth.
This July we have seen the hottest global temperature ever recorded, according to data from two climate tracking agencies.
While there’s no denying the brutal heat and mugginess is physically uncomfortable, research suggests that such conditions wear on our psychological well-being, too. Studies have found links between rising temperatures and a range of mental health issues including mental fatigue, aggression and higher rates of suicide.
When the temperature spikes, so too do suicide rates, crime and violence. On Twitter, there’s an increase in hate tweets and online aggression during heat waves.
“We generally see an increase in domestic violence calls in July and August, as well as December through March,” said Herkimer Police Chief Mike Jory. “I feel this could be related to extreme weather conditions on both ends of the spectrum. During colder months, families are forced to be inside for extended periods of time. During times of unbearable heat, families are again inside to escape the heat.”
“Both situations can result in an increase in tension,” he continued. “It’s difficult to quantify the number of calls (domestic or otherwise) caused by the extreme weather conditions. I would say that with larger families in smaller homes, possibly in an apartment with no air conditioning, patience may be lacking and anger increasing throughout the day, especially when school’s out for the summer.”
“Yes, there’s an increase in crime during the summer months,” agreed Lt. Mike Curley, Utica Police. “But there’re so many other correlating factors. Juveniles are out of school, have a lot more free time, with no structure. They’re committing a lot of the crimes. And we have longer daylight hours; people are out and about more. I can’t say definitely that the increase is related to the heat alone.”
Scientists have yet to uncover why heat causes more aggression and violence; they don’t know whether heat itself can cause brain changes that may lead to these effects. But regardless, experts say, it’s clear that oppressive heat is linked with worse mental health.
Yes, the heat makes many of us exceedingly cranky and irritable, and, in some cases, downright angry.
Research backs this up. Everyone’s fuse is a little bit shorter.
“It’s important to take extreme heat warnings seriously,” said Oneida County director of health Daniel Gilmore, Ph.D. “Adjust your activities according to recommendations and pay attention to signals from your body so that you’re playing it safe in these extreme temperatures.”
Practice common sense in the heat: stay hydrated and listen to your body. If you’re healthy and want to exercise, try to get in your workout in the morning or evening.
Tips from the Oneida County Health Department for coping with extreme heat
• Stay hydrated. Drink during meals, and throughout the day before you become thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
NOTE: Stay in a cool, air-conditioned area when possible. Getting an ac installation is recommended to ensure you’ll have comfortable temperature at home all the time (learn more here). Depending on the condition of your current system, either having it serviced by an a/c maintenance contractor like Performance Air Conditioning of Texas or starting fresh with a new hvac installation might be the way to go. Contact an hvac technician from a honolulu air conditioning repair company to help maintain the functionality and efficiency of your ac unit. And if you need electrical systems maintenance and ensure your appliances are energy-efficient, make sure to hire professionals like these electricians in ontario california and Hometown Electrical Doctor or check out sites like https://sandmelectricinc.com/. Shopping malls, libraries, senior centers and cooling centers are options if you don’t have air conditioning in your home.
• Avoid being outside during the peak hours of heat and sun, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Check on older adults and make sure they are staying cool.
• Don’t leave children or pets in your car. Cars heat up quickly in the summer even with windows open.
• Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 when going outside.
To cool down fast, get out of the sun. If you’re experiencing heat cramps, a headache, or excessive sweating, get indoors. It can take an hour or so to return to normal. If you suspect heatstroke, which includes nausea and vomiting, a rapid pulse, fainting, confusion, or a seizure, call 911 right away.
If you’re hot and unable to rely on air conditioning: spray yourself with cool tap water; soak your hands and feet in cool water; douse your clothes with water. Keep ice packs in the freezer and use a layer of cloth between the ice pack and your skin.
Aim to get as much cool air into your house as possible by keeping the windows and blinds open at night. When the sun comes up, close your house up. Consider investing in blackout curtains, to reduce the amount of heat that’s transferred inside via your windows. Also, in homes without air conditioning, consider taking a cold shower before bed, running a cool cloth over your head, or staying with a friend or family member with air conditioning. Fans can be helpful, but in the interest of saving electricity, turn them off when you leave a room.