Summer heat brings mental health concerns

Hays County - As summer begins, many are looking forward to a time of relaxation and warm weather. Others, however, can have a difficult time adjusting to the new temperatures and schedules. 

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) warns that mental illness can be especially difficult to detect during this time, more so than others.

While many are aware of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where different seasons can have an impact on people mentally, most are only aware of the effects that fall and winter bring. However, as suicide rates skyrocket in Texas during summer, many people may not see the effects at first.

“Sunlight definitely gives us that vitamin D and boosts that serotonin, but too much sunlight can trigger that anxiety and depression,” said Dulce Gruwell, Peer Program Manager at NAMI Central Texas. “In the summer, we hear a lot about how to keep ourselves physically well, but we need to also take care of our mental health.” 

Read more >