Heat can be taxing on the mind as well as the body

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Extreme heat like Mid-Missouri has experienced over the past week isn't just bad for the body, it can also hurt the mind.

The physical effects of heat are more obvious, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and thirst, the Center for Disease Control reports.

But the National Library of Medicine reports heat can contribute to symptoms that include increased anxiety, irritability and agitation, mood disturbances, reduced patience and tolerance and decreased coping abilities.

"The body's stress response is activated, leading to heightened levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline," the report reads. "These physiological changes can contribute to a sense of restlessness and apprehension, intensifying anxiety symptoms."

Dr. Paul Thomlinson, executive director of Compass Health Network, said heat affects two aspects of mental health: feelings and proper thinking.

"It affects our feelings, making us more irritable, sometimes depressed, more anxious," he said. "And it affects our ability to think properly. Confusion, problem-solving impairment, causes memory issues, it's more difficult to remember things when you get, you know, extended periods of heat, etc."

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends taking control of your mental health with the heat by staying hydrated, spending time in air-conditioned places, eating balanced meals, getting plenty of sleep and practicing stress-management techniques.

Highs could reach into the mid- to upper 90s again next week in Mid-Missouri.