Psychiatrists warns of extreme heat impact on mental health

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — On the hottest day of the year so far, people in Phoenix were caught using anything they could to shield themselves from the sun.

“I do want to get out. I want to get out of the house and do things. I can’t walk the dog. The dog’s mad at me because she can’t go anywhere at this point,” said Mark Guidl.

Even longtime Phoenix residents said they need to hunker down out of the heat.

Banner Health Psychiatrist Dr. Tulasi Goriparthi said summertime sadness is a real phenomenon called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

He explained the heat can hurt our social life and throw off our bodies’ balance.

“The same chemicals in our brain that regulate the internal body clock that we have--the internal body temperature that we get regulated, the same chemicals are also implicated in causing depression or anxiety,” said Dr. Goriparthi.

Even when you’re trying to brave the heat, Dr. Goriparthi advices to be careful with over-hydrating.

“Because of the extreme heat, we have to drink lots and lots of water. That decreases our appetite. That brings more satiety into our stomach. A decreased appetite may increase fatigue. And that low energy levels combined with social isolation can trigger depression or anxiety,” he said.

If you are cooling for a place to cool down, you can click/tap here to a map showing respite and cooling centers and hydration stations.

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