EFFECTS OF EXTREME WEATHER ON MENTAL HEALTH
Summer in Puerto Rico brings extreme weather conditions that can affect both our physical and emotional health. High temperatures force the body to expend more energy to regulate its internal temperature, which can cause fatigue, discomfort, and stress. Studies link extreme heat to irritability, depressive symptoms, an increase in suicides and violence, including domestic violence and substance use as a coping mechanism.
Extreme weather impairs cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and reaction time, while the lack of sunlight on rainy or stormy days can generate sadness or discouragement. Prolonged exposure to adverse temperatures—whether heat or cold—can provoke anxiety, isolation, and worsen pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or immunological diseases, especially in vulnerable populations.
For people with anxiety disorders, climate changes can intensify their symptoms. Weather warnings or extreme events can trigger traumatic memories, exacerbating feelings of melancholy, anguish, or depression. Sensitivity to weather varies among individuals, making it crucial to recognize physical and emotional signals to adjust routines and avoid risks.
Climate fluctuations also disrupt daily life: a sunny day can turn stormy, affecting emotional balance. The response or way of coping with these changes depends on factors such as health, economic resources, and available social support.
HOW TO CARE FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE SUMMER IN PUERTO RICO
To mitigate the stressful effects of summer in Puerto Rico, try to:
- Cool Environments: Prioritize spaces with controlled temperatures for activities requiring mental effort.
- Balanced Routine: Include rest, adequate nutrition, hydration, and emotional self-assessment.
- Active Adaptation: Engage in enjoyable activities, both indoors and outdoors, adjusted to weather conditions and personal needs.
- Professional Support: Seek mental health help if emotional changes become overwhelming.
- Connection with Nature: Take advantage of parks, beaches, and green areas to reduce stress, always with caution in adverse conditions.
- Support Networks: Maintain social contact—even if virtual—during extreme weather that limits in-person interaction.
- Healthy Boundaries: Avoid overloading with activities and prioritize self-care.
In summary, the extreme Puerto Rican weather demands awareness and adaptation to protect our overall well-being. Implementing proactive strategies—from practical adjustments to emotional support—allows us to face these challenges without compromising our physical or mental health.
The key lies in listening to the body-mind, seeking balance, and using available resources, both natural and social, to navigate the summer in Puerto Rico with physical well-being and mental health.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2023). *Extreme heat contributes to worsening mental health, especially among vulnerable populations*.
Influencia del clima en nuestras emociones y estado de ánimo diario – equilibrioemocional.org
