People with emotional affective disorder are more volatile in the heat

Irritability, frustration, listlessness, fatigue, changes in sleep and lack of appetite can be symptoms of Emotional Affective Disorder due to heat, which puts the person in a state of discomfort that makes them more susceptible, sensitive and aggressive.

This is what the Dr. Carlos David Carrillo Trujillo, Professor of the FFaculty of Psychology at Uady and director of the Build Institutewho talks regarding this unique disorder.

It indicates that many people go through periods of feeling sad associated with the beginning or end of a season of the year, an emotional state known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Although it is more frequent or common at the beginning or end of winter, given the Christmas holidays, it also happens in the summer, and is called “heat depression,” the expert told .

In recent weeks we have experienced days of intense heat and with it a series of inconveniences when travelling to school and/or work, on public transport, in traffic, at bedtime and, in general, in daily activities.

There is a lot of research showing that heat, pain and overcrowding put people in a state of discomfort that makes them more susceptible, sensitive and aggressive.

Symptoms

“Some of the symptoms that appear in Heat SAD can be: feeling irritable, frustrated, listless, unmotivated, with much less energy than usual, tired, with difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep, not having an appetite, having physical pain or discomfort —mainly digestive—, being anxious and even having thoughts regarding death and suicide,” he said.

When you have SAD, your emotions are quite volatile and it affects how you feel, think, and behave.

He points out that there is still no clarity on what the causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder are, especially because it is less common than winter disorder.

However, it seems that serotonin levels are affected in people with this type of condition, since sunlight affects the levels of molecules that maintain normal serotonin levels.

Other research suggests it has to do with melatonin, which is linked to sleep cycles.

—This coincides with summer, when there are longer and hotter days that worsen the quality of sleep and cause symptoms of depression. The greater number of hours of sunlight, shorter nights and high temperatures can also cause sleep disturbances. The night heat is very uncomfortable and interrupts sleep cycles, so the body and mind do not enjoy adequate rest.

More relaxed

In order to reduce the onset of the disorder, it is important to engage in activities that relax people.

Physical exercise is a good option, as long as it is something that makes you feel more relaxed and calm. In this case, it is recommended to do it very early or very late, just when the temperatures would be suitable for it.

Walking around malls and convenience stores is not a bad option, especially if it is an activity that you regularly enjoy and makes you feel comfortable.

—If you have the conditions and the money to have an artificial climate, doing activities at home with your family is also a good idea.

The important thing, says Dr. Carlos Carrillo, is to avoid doing outdoor activities during the hottest hours.

She recommends being patient and empathetic on public transport and in traffic. Trying to recognise when your mood is not right to avoid being aggressive towards others, and trying to feel as comfortable as possible in cool, light clothing.

She points out that if some symptoms prevail, it is always advisable to seek professional help.— IRIS CEBALLOS ALVARADO