When the temperatures begin to rise higher and higher, you may notice changes in your mood and behaviors. As well as creating a risk of health problems like heatstroke and heat exhaustion, heat waves could also impact your mental health, according to increasing evidence and research on this topic.
If you want to understand more about how heat waves in Clearwater could impact your mental health and the steps you should take to look after yourself more effectively, we’re sharing some of our top tips here.
- Adjust Your Sleep Routine
One of the ways that heat waves can impact your mental health is by making it difficult to get good quality sleep. This can be particularly challenging for people who already find it difficult to fall asleep at night. When there is a heat wave, drifting to sleep can seem even more impossible, and this can have a negative impact on your mental health. Make changes to your sleep routine to try and promote better sleep – for example, wear fewer clothes, open a window, sleep in a different part of the house, or switch on a fan. - Drink More Water
When the weather is hotter, the risk of dehydration is usually higher. Failing to drink enough water can cause health problems like headaches and nausea, and it can impact your mental health, too. You might feel exhausted, fatigued, and increasingly irritable as your body becomes more dehydrated throughout the day. Drink water consistently to ensure you are maintaining a good level of hydration. - Reduce the Temperature
Wherever possible, take steps to reduce the temperature of your surroundings. If you can switch on the air conditioning or a fan within your home or office, take advantage of these options as much as possible. Spend time in the shade and avoid going outside in the sunshine, especially during the hottest hours of the day, generally from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. You can also reduce your own body temperature by wearing lighter-colored and loose-fitting clothing and regularly taking cold showers. - Have a Plan if You Need Help
If your health takes a turn for the worse, it is always useful to have a plan in place. This should include a plan for how you will respond if you are impacted by heat exhaustion while you are out and about and a plan in case you need to access counseling therapy or other general psychiatry services to support your mental health. Make sure you know the services that are available near Clearwater so that you can pick up the phone and get help when you need it. - Know the Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses
Understanding more about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses can help you figure out the best course of action and prevent any mental health concerns from getting worse. Sweating, vomiting, nausea, weakness, and fatigue are just a few of the common signs of heat exhaustion. Increased irritability, anger, frustration, and feeling unable to control your emotions are among the mental health impacts of developing heat stroke or exhaustion during a heat wave.
Find Mental Health Support During a Heat Wave
Managing your mental health and looking after yourself can be difficult to do alone. That’s why finding the right type of support and identifying the best options in your area can go a long way in helping you take care of yourself during a heat wave. If you want to find general psychiatry services or counseling therapy near Clearwater, you can discuss your concerns with the professional team at Advantage Mental Health Center.
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