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How Heat Waves Impact Mood and Mental Health
- Empathy Therapy
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Hot weather can affect more than physical comfort. During periods of extreme heat, many people report increased irritability, anxiety, fatigue, and emotional reactivity. For those already managing mental health symptoms, heat waves can make everything feel more intense.
This connection is not all in your head. The body and brain are deeply linked, and changes in temperature can influence both mood and mental functioning.
Why Heat Can Affect the Way You Feel
During a heatwave, your body works harder to regulate its temperature. This can lead to:
Poorer sleep quality
Dehydration
Physical discomfort
Increased heart rate and restlessness
At the same time, high heat can reduce patience, strain social interactions, and make everyday stressors feel more difficult to handle. For individuals with anxiety, depression, or mood instability, these physiological changes can increase symptoms or make them harder to manage.
Summer Is Not Always a Break
Even though summer is often viewed as relaxing, many people experience a decline in emotional well-being during this time. Factors such as disrupted routines, family stress, and heat-related exhaustion can add up.
If you have been feeling more on edge, more withdrawn, or less motivated, it may not just be the temperature. It may be your body and mind signaling a need for support.
Personalized Support, Without Leaving Home
At Empathy Therapy, we understand that mental health needs do not pause during the summer. Dr. Mark Chofla offers fully online care that combines psychiatric expertise and therapeutic support from a single provider. Care is consistent, individualized, and built around your goals.
Whether you are managing anxiety, mood changes, or feeling emotionally burned out, we can help. Clients across California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Florida, New York, and Alaska are welcome.
Your Well-Being Deserves Attention
Even in the heat of summer, support is available. You can schedule your first appointment at a time that works for you.
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