British summertime is often an exciting opportunity to soak up the sunshine, but for those experiencing poor mental health, extensive periods of heat can feel overwhelming and hard to manage.
Heatwaves can have an impact on mental health and wellbeing - disrupting sleep, causing increased levels of irritability, anxiety and depression. We know it can be difficult to prioritise staying hydrated and keeping cool, but self-care is essential during hot temperatures.
Heatwave risks for people with mental health issues
People with mental illness may be less able to regulate their body temperature or stay sufficiently hydrated. This may be due to the effects of psychotropic medication, physical health comorbidities or the mental illnesses themselves.
The physical, psychological and cognitive effects of heat stress can precipitate psychiatric and physiological crises.
- People with mental illnesses may live or work in conditions where the health risks from extreme heat are hard to avoid due to structural inequalities (such as living in substandard housing, working outdoors or lacking access to cool and green spaces).
- Heat-related symptoms and illness can escalate quickly – from discomfort to heat exhaustion, which, if untreated, can progress to life-threatening heatstroke.
Heatwaves pose particular physiological and psychological challenges for individuals with ADHD and Autism who often experience heightened sensitivity to both external environments and internal body signals, so during periods of hot weather, increased stress, discomfort, and exhaustion, and additional challenges with executive functioning and sensory sensitivities are often experienced.
Our tips for coping in hot weather:
- Continue taking your medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional – keep to the same schedules even if you change your sleeping routine due to the heat.
- Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter
- Cool yourself down. Have cold food and regular cold drinks. Drink extra fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes
- Keep your living space cool. Close windows, curtains and blinds during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees.
For guidance on taking medication during a heatwave visit:
For more information and coping strategies visit:
- Mental health medications and extreme weather - GOV.UK
- Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS
- Heatwaves-guidance.pdf
- Too Hot to Think? ADHD, Autism & Summer Sensory Overload
You can find indoor spaces to stay cool in Lambeth here: Cool Spaces Directory | Lambeth Council
The challenges a person might be experiencing may not always be obvious, so please be kind and compassionate in your interactions with each other. Please also remember to give yourself grace, take the time to rest, and allow yourself to go about your day at a slower pace.