We’re under a historic heat wave breaking record-high temperatures in the southern US, Europe and Asia. With more than 100 million people under heart alerts in the US alone, coping with the heat is top of mind for many.
The dangers of rising temperatures aren’t limited to physical concerns like heat exhaustion, cramps or heatstroke. Heat can also harm your mental health, affecting your mood, sleep and more. The connection between heat and mental health is rooted in access. Your risk of being more or less affected by heat conditions is directly correlated to your access to air conditioning and water.
Mental health conditions may increase your risk for heat-related illness
Your risk of heat-related illness can increase if you have a mental health condition. But it’s not a simple line from point A (having a mental illness) to B (having a higher risk). It all comes down to what resources you have access to, your awareness of your condition and the medications you take.
I spoke with Dr. Ken Duckworth, chief medical officer at National Alliance on Mental Illness. During our conversation, he stressed the importance of access:
Extreme Heat Can Be Harmful to Your Mental Health. Here’s How to Manage
