The heat can be a factor that triggers states of anxiety as a result of various reasons. On the one hand, there are people who have shown a marked intolerance in the face of climate changes that occur in their daily lives. This produces a series of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that reflect symptoms of anxiety. In the face of this type of event, there are various sources of information that provide advice and recommendations to mitigate the unfavorable effects of heat. However, there may be certain variables that negatively influence some actions taken in this regard. For this reason, there is a great deal of confusion about this topic that causes problems instead of solutions.
In this Psychology-Online article we will explain How do I know if I have heat intolerance due to anxiety?.
People who develop anxiety from the persistence of high temperatures usually present a series of manifestations that are detectable. Next, we will explain how heat affects people with anxiety:
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Increased physical discomfort: It is common for people who suffer from heat to manifest nervousness, physical restlessness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, among others.
- Difficulties falling asleep: Anxiety often involves increased brain activity due to a disturbance in neural circuitry. When this occurs, people may have difficulty establishing proper sleep hygiene.
- excessive stress: In general, anxiety increases states of stress in the body due to bodily ailments. The heat acts as a trigger for dysregulated responses such as impulses, fits of anger, repetitive and incessant thoughts, among others.
Although the heat can be the factor that triggers an anxiety disorder in some people. However, it is necessary to clarify that there must be causes that make the development of this clinical picture possible. For this reason, heat could be an unfavorable event for some cases and not for others.
The main symptoms of heat intolerance due to anxiety include:
- Tachycardia.
- excessive sweating
- palpitations.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach ache.
- tremors.
- Concern.
- Need to be on the move.
- Headache.
- Chest tightness.
- Catastrophic thoughts.
- Distress.
The consequences that heat causes in the development of anxiety can include various bodily, emotional and behavioral manifestations that disappear when the person stops having heat. In the event that the symptoms imply serious difficulties for the person to carry out their routine activities, it is advisable go to a specialist for the person to be evaluated and receive the corresponding medical attention.
Heat intolerance due to anxiety is generated from different causes. In this section, we will develop the most important ones:
organic factors
In the first place, as in other types of disorders, the Genetic heritage plays an important role in understanding this problem.
In general terms, the processing of information coming from the outside is carried out from receptors that are found in layers of the skin. In this way, the heat produces an increase in body temperature that triggers unfavorable reactions for the person In this sense, if there is a parent who has suffered from heat anxiety, the chances of transmitting this mechanism increase.
Environmental factors
The presence of a restless environment often aggravates the development of anxiety intolerance to heat. This may include family arguments, moments of disappointment or nervousness before an eventuality, among other examples. On the other hand, if the person has experienced previous situations of anxiety, it may be a reason that causes this condition.
In order to lessen the harmful effects of heat intolerance due to anxiety, it is important to have effective strategies. In the next few items, we will talk about what to do when you have heat intolerance due to anxiety:
- Move to cool places: Reducing the impact of heat is important to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. To alleviate it, electronic devices such as air conditioners, swimming pools, fans, among others, can be used. This helps reduce both physical and emotional discomfort.
- Go to psychological therapy: if the symptoms of heat anxiety are problematic for the person, go to psychological therapy to treat this condition will help understand the causes and provide tools to cope with situations of anxiety and/or heat stress through more favorable.
- practice mindfulness: This technique consists of engaging in a consistent respiratory rhythm for a prolonged period of time. The goal of mindfulness is to slow your heart rate and avoid thoughts that cause discomfort. Here you will find some Mindfulness exercises for beginners.
- drink enough water: Hydration is a crucial pillar so that a person does not feel anxiety in the face of heat. Water helps lower body temperature.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
