Experts suggest staying aware, cool to treat summer seasonal affective disorder

Residents may have heard of seasonal affective disorder impacting mental health in the winter because of the lack of sun, but it can also happen during the summer months.

Experts say extreme heat could disrupt routines and cause stress, particularly on days like Monday when a heat warning is in effect.

Spending time outside and soaking up the sun, these are some of the best parts about the summer.

But while the nice weather is something many wait for all year, it’s not always just fun, as experts say extreme heat waves can impact us psychologically.

“It’s less common than winter or seasonal affective disorder, but some people do experience depression, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and appetite changes during the summer months,” said Cynthia Grant, the associate director of nursing at Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Toronto.

READ MORE: Heat wave for Hamilton, Halton, Niagara continues

The CMHA says they see an increase in mental health related emergency visits by about 8 per cent, and psychiatric hospital admissions by about 10 per cent during extreme heat events.

Some residents who were out in the city Monday told CHCH News that the heat warnings don’t stop them from going out.

“Staying cool, sleeping well, staying connected and paying attention to changes in our mood can make a real difference during the heat wave,” said Matthew Lawson, manager of environmental health at Hamilton Public Health. “It’s important to stick to routines when you can and still try to get outside and do things. If you’re planning things that are, you know, kind of physical activity, you can plan them during off peak hours when it’s a little cooler outside.”

With a heat warning currently in effect, the City of Hamilton will be operating cool places and splash pads.

WATCH MORE: Medical experts warn heat wave poses deadly risk to Hamilton’s homeless

As part of that plan, regularly scheduled open swims at all indoor and outdoor pools operated by the city will be free of charge.

“We do have 16 recreation and/or senior centres across the city — there are 23 Hamilton Public Library branches during business hours that the public are welcome to attend,” said Lawson. “There are six municipal service centers, including City Hall, where the public is invited to come.”

Public Health also encourages people to drink lots of water, and to stay hydrated.

Grant adds that with summer seasonal affective disorder can become more prevalent with climate change, as we experience more days with extreme heat.

WATCH MORE: Newsmakers: OCD, the misunderstood mental health illness