By Sonia Khosla

If the summer heat has you feeling uncomfortable, angry or stressed, you’re not alone. Exposure to summer’s hot temperatures can negatively impact our mental health and worsen the symptoms of mental health conditions, leading to an increase in mental health crises and emergency room visits.

Extreme heat has been associated with many mental health impacts, including symptoms of depression and risk of suicide. Heat can impact behavior, contributing to increased aggression, incidences of domestic violence and substance use to cope with stress. Sleep loss caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat can be a stressor that contributes to mental health conditions.

Older adults are also more likely to experience negative impacts from extreme heat, as aging, chronic health conditions and prescription medications make it challenging to control body temperature.

As temperatures rise this season, we must take precautions to care for ourselves and our loved ones. Here are some tips for staying cool and keeping yourself and others safe on hot days:

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcoholic beverages that will dehydrate you.
• Schedule time outside earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler.
• Get plenty of rest and listen to what your body is telling you.
• Check fans and air conditioners to make sure they are functioning correctly.
• Check on neighbors or family members who may be susceptible to the health impacts of heat exposure, including older adults and people with a mental health condition.
• Be aware of heat and air quality advisories. Consider signing up for NotifyJoCo weather alerts at notifyjoco.org.
• If you need a place to cool off, visit one of Johnson County Library’s 14 branches that serve as cooling centers for our community.

For more information on heat safety, please visit jocogov.org/heat-safety.

Sonia Khosla is communications specialist at the Johnson County Mental Health Center.