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.<\/p>\n
Experts say extreme heat could disrupt routines and cause stress, particularly on days like Monday when a heat warning is in effect.<\/p>\n
Spending time outside and soaking up the sun, these are some of the best parts about the summer.<\/p>\n
But while the nice weather is something many wait for all year, it\u2019s not always just fun, as experts say extreme heat waves can impact us psychologically.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s less common than winter or seasonal affective disorder, but some people do experience depression, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and appetite changes during the summer months,\u201d said Cynthia Grant, the associate director of nursing at Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Toronto.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Heat wave for Hamilton, Halton, Niagara continues<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Some residents who were out in the city Monday told CHCH News that the heat warnings don\u2019t stop them from going out.<\/p>\n \u201cStaying cool, sleeping well, staying connected and paying attention to changes in our mood can make a real difference during the heat wave,\u201d said Matthew Lawson, manager of environmental health at Hamilton Public Health. \u201cIt\u2019s important to stick to routines when you can and still try to get outside and do things. If you\u2019re planning things that are, you know, kind of physical activity, you can plan them during off peak hours when it\u2019s a little cooler outside.\u201d<\/p>\n With a heat warning currently in effect, the City of Hamilton will be operating cool places and splash pads.<\/p>\n