The recent spike in high temperatures and extreme heat warnings across north Texas can take a toll on us physically. We’ve often heard health experts talk about limiting outdoor exposure during a heatwave like the one being felt across Texas and beyond. But would you believe that the act of limiting outdoor time can hurt your mental health as well?
Recent studies have shown an increase in suicide rates as outdoor temperatures increase. And mental health experts say current trends are similar to what providers saw during the pandemic, some say due to the close quarters and lack of outdoor open spaces those struggling mentally can use to alleviate that. One recent analysis found that outdoor temperature was positively associated with attempted and completed suicides, with hospital attendance or admission for mental illness, and with worse outcomes for community mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. Roger Butler, a psychiatrist with Medical City Green Oaks, said studies show that this can be true of people who have a diagnosed mental health issue, like depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorders, but also those who have shown no signs of mental health problems.
“It increases the amount of cortisol, which is the stress hormone, because, you know, our regulation of stress can be impaired,” Dr. Butler said. “Also, for people that are prone to depression, it can be problematic because studies have shown that it actually can decrease serotonin, and its effects on
our brain and our well-being.”
Dr. Butler suggested replacing normal outdoor activities with similar ones, just earlier in the day, as a way to maintain that exercise regime. He said that’s because the temperature outside is typically between 85 and 90 degrees, even on the hottest days.
He also said there’s another option: exercising indoors. “If they’re close to a mall nearby, that can be a place where they can take walks. Join a gym membership. I recommend people just do what they can, to find other activities indoors if possible,” Dr. Butler said.
Ultimately, Dr. Butler said one thing we can all do for each other during this extended heat wave is check on each other, particularly if we know someone may be struggling mentally. “Make sure they're taking care of themselves. Check-in with those folks and make sure that they're taking care of themselves, keeping cool, hydrating, and taking their medications. Especially during this time,” he said. “And be mindful of issues that might come up if they're getting too overheated.”
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