EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — As the border region continues to be hit by a heatwave with triple-digit temperatures, experts explain the extreme heat can have serious effects on physical and mental health.
According to medical experts, heatwaves can exacerbate anxiety, stress and irritability, and they also explain that medications used to treat mental illnesses can affect the body’s regulatory systems.
“When you feel hot, you may feel more irritable. It may affect your sleep and it may dramatically change your mood,” says Melanie Longhurst, M.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor at Texas Tech University at El Paso.
Licensed professional counselor Rosina Vickay told ABC-7 that heat can also affect behavior and increase aggression.
“Domestic violence incidents, anything that’s anger related, right? Road rage incidents, increased crime rates,” Vickay said.
“The heat can affect people in a way that makes them perceive things as more aggressive or more impulsive,” Longhurst said.
She said drinking water and being near air conditioning were good for the body and mind, and also recommended getting fresh air and exercising regularly.
“It’s really hard to get out into green space, but if you can get out to a park or get away from being surrounded by concrete where it can get hot,” Mr Longhurst said.
Vickay suggested practicing mindfulness and working on stress management strategies.
“Try breathing exercises, a little meditation, and if that doesn’t help, it might be worth consulting a professional.”
