BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Experts warn extreme heat can affect mental health

  • Parts of the United States are enduring record-setting heat waves
  • Extreme heat can worsen memory, depression symptoms and irritability
  • People with existing mental health issues may be most vulnerable

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

maylen

https://digital-stage.newsnationnow.com/

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241114185800

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241115200405

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118165728

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118184948

(NewsNation) — The extreme heat persisting in parts of the country can have negative effects on mental health, the American Psychiatric Association warned.

As pockets of the nation including Florida, Arizona and Texas endure record-setting and, at times, deadly temperatures, exposure to high heat is associated with increased irritability, symptoms of depression and suicide, according to the APA.

People already struggling with mental health issues may be particularly vulnerable, Dr. Upinder Singh with Valley Oaks Medical Group told NewsNation affiliate KLAS.

“It affects every single person,” Singh told KLAS. “The biggest thing we need to know is our limits. Every person is different.”

Extreme heat can also affect peoples’ behavior, contributing to increased aggression, domestic violence instances, and lead to the use of drugs and alcohol to cope with stress. High temperatures can impact memory, too, as well as attention, reaction time and sleeping habits.

“We encourage everyone to take precautions and to check on those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat,” APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin said in an official statement. “Health care professionals and community leaders must ensure that mental health is a key part of preparing for and responding to the increasingly common extreme weather events we’re facing.”

If you or someone you know needs help, resources or someone to talk to, you can find it at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website or by calling 988. People are available to talk to you 24/7.

Weather

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241119133138

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Fair

la

61°F Fair Feels like 61°
Wind
0 mph W
Humidity
34%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.
47°F A few passing clouds. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.
Wind
2 mph NNE
Precip
10%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous