Latest news with #Affective
News18
01-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Mental Health In A Heatwave: The Hidden Impact of Rising Temperatures
Last Updated: Extreme summer heat doesn't just tax the body — it deeply affects our sleep, mood, and mental resilience. The most crucial thing to know about our bodies is that good health and holistic wellness are not characterized by the absence of sickness but by a harmonious balance among body, mind, and environment. With climate change causing spikes in global temperatures, the summer heat has become an emergent public health concern. Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra's Healthcare, shares all you need to know: Biologically, our bodies are finely tuned to nature's rhythms, adapting not only to daily and seasonal shifts in light, temperature, and food availability but also in subtle ways that affect our emotional and cognitive states. Just as we adjust our clothing or diet to match the weather, our mental and emotional needs also fluctuate with the seasons. According to research published in ScienceDirect, there is a 2.2% increase in mental health-related mortality and a 0.9% rise in illnesses linked to mental health for every degree Celsius that the temperature increases. Changes in daylight and temperature can influence mood, energy levels, and cognitive functions — highlighting the importance of aligning our emotional and intellectual habits with these natural cycles. Harsh weather seasons, especially the extreme heat of summer, place particular demands on both our physiological and psychological functioning. The climatic extremes of soaring temperatures, extended days, and increased environmental stress tend to disrupt this delicate balance, often leading to emotional disturbances, mental exhaustion, and sometimes, severe mood disorders. Recognizing and understanding these seasonal energies is crucial for preserving emotional resilience and mental clarity. Tapping into our body's natural responses and working in conjunction with them through holistic methods — such as lifestyle adjustments, mind-body techniques, and gentle treatment approaches — can help us navigate even the most difficult seasons with inner strength and reduced mental and emotional stress. Nighttime temperatures above 25°C significantly reduce slow-wave and REM sleep cycles, which are vital for emotional processing and memory consolidation. Sleep fragmentation during summer months creates a neurobiological vulnerability to mood disorders. Epidemiologic data show a 28% increase in depression diagnoses following heatwaves lasting more than five days, with insomnia severity mediating this relationship. 2. Summer-Onset Depression Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is commonly associated with cold winters, though a lesser-known variant occurs in summer. Summer SAD presents with agitation, insomnia, and appetite suppression — unlike winter SAD, which involves hypersomnia and carbohydrate cravings. Neurobiological models suggest that extended photoperiods disrupt melatonin synthesis, while excessive light exposure downregulates serotonin receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Clinicians report a 140% increase in summer-SAD cases since 2010, especially in regions experiencing more than 20 days annually above 35°C. 3. Cognitive Fatigue Long-term exposure to heat reduces cognitive processing speed. It impairs memory, concentration, and decision-making. Combined with environmental hazards such as pollution — a major issue in densely populated countries like India — the overall cognitive load may rise, making it harder to stay focused and emotionally resilient. 4. Increased Anxiety The physical response to excessive heat, such as a heightened heart rate and shortness of breath, can mimic symptoms of anxiety. For those already susceptible to panic attacks or chronic stress, this physiological crossover can trigger more frequent episodes of anxiety during summer. Mental Health Is Not Separate from Holistic Wellness Before considering specific interventions, it's important to acknowledge that mental health cannot be separated from overall wellness. True well-being stems from a dynamic balance between physical, emotional, mental, and environmental factors. During summer, when external stressors are high, this balance can easily be disrupted. Prioritizing a holistic lifestyle — with mindful hydration, nourishing foods, physical movement, emotional self-care, restorative sleep, and meaningful social connections — lays the foundation for stronger mental resilience. Supporting the body and mind as a connected system helps individuals adapt to seasonal extremes and maintain emotional stability. Homeopathy's Role in Supporting Mental Health During Summer While holistic wellness practices provide a foundation for emotional resilience, supplementary support from therapeutic systems like homeopathy can further strengthen the mind-body balance. Homeopathy approaches health by treating the individual as a whole — considering physical symptoms alongside emotional and mental states. Seasonal aggravations, like those triggered by extreme heat, are key indicators in remedy selection. Homeopathy offers a gentle way to aid the body's natural functions without harsh chemicals, making it particularly useful when the body is under prolonged external stress. Glonoinum is used when heat exposure leads to pulsating headaches, confusion, and irritability. Natrum Muraticum suits individuals who become emotionally sensitive, withdrawn, or dehydrated in summer. Gelsemium is ideal for those who feel mentally dull, fatigued, or overwhelmed. Aurum Metallicum helps stabilize deeper emotional upsets such as intense sadness or hopelessness. Ignatia Amara addresses emotional shocks, bereavement, and mood swings aggravated by environmental stressors. Kali Phos 6X is a natural de-stressor for mental and emotional exhaustion during long, sweltering days. These individualized remedies offer a subtle, non-intrusive means of helping individuals maintain equilibrium amid summer's challenges. Holistic Approaches for Stress Management in Summer Combining conscious lifestyle practices with homeopathy can significantly enhance mental wellness during summer. Staying hydrated with water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelons, and oranges helps stabilize energy and supports brain function. Environmental adjustments, such as limiting outdoor activities to cooler times of the day and using sun protection, reduce physical and mental stress. Prioritizing sleep with cooling solutions and soothing bedtime routines ensures more restful nights. Stress-management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing cultivate emotional resilience. Coping with urban stress — especially during summer commutes — is made easier with calming music, relaxation exercises, and proper hydration. Seeking professional support provides personalized care to maintain mental balance throughout the season. Parting Thoughts top videos View all India's intense summer heat and extended daylight hours demand more than just physical endurance — they call for mindful mental care. The combination of heat, sleep disruption, environmental stress, and social pressure can significantly affect cognitive and emotional well-being. Adopting a holistic lifestyle that acknowledges the interconnectedness of body, mind, and environment allows us not only to survive but also to flourish during the harshest months. By tuning into the body's signals, making thoughtful adjustments, and incorporating supportive therapies, we can navigate the summer season with increased vitality, emotional stability, and inner calm. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : beat the heat Better Mental Health delhi heatwave heatwave heatwave alert Heatwave delhi mental health conditions Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 01, 2025, 21:51 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Mental Health In A Heatwave: The Hidden Impact of Rising Temperatures
Time Business News
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Sober Celebrations: How to Navigate Holidays in Recovery
The High Stakes of Holiday Season in Recovery The holidays, cloaked in shimmering lights and familial expectations, can be treacherous terrain for those in recovery. Amid the carols and clinking glasses lies a psychological minefield—ripe with emotional triggers, nostalgic yearnings, and subtle social coercion. For individuals navigating sobriety, these weeks aren't merely festive; they are litmus tests of resilience. Understanding how to thrive—not just survive—during this season requires intentionality, clarity of purpose, and a fortified sense of self. Balancing multiple medications demands careful consideration and expert guidance, as each therapy brings unique benefits and risks. When managing attention-deficit challenges alongside recovery protocols, it's crucial to understand how different agents work in tandem. In the heart of such treatment plans, 'suboxone and adderall' may be prescribed concurrently to address distinct aspects of brain chemistry, yet this combination requires vigilant monitoring for side effects like increased heart rate or mood fluctuations. Collaboration with healthcare providers, including pharmacists and specialists, ensures dosages are optimized for safety and efficacy. By staying informed and communicating openly, patients can navigate complex regimens with confidence and resilience. Understanding Holiday Triggers and Emotional Undercurrents Social Pressures and Cultural Norms In many circles, celebration is synonymous with indulgence. Eggnog spiked with bourbon, champagne flutes at midnight, and the unspoken expectation to 'loosen up' create an atmosphere where abstinence can feel alien. The societal script often positions sobriety as a buzzkill rather than a badge of strength. This dynamic can isolate those in recovery, pushing them toward the margins of merriment. Loneliness and Seasonal Affective Influences For others, holidays resurrect the ghosts of fractured relationships and lost time. The weight of nostalgia, compounded by shorter days and colder nights, can spiral into melancholy or relapse ideation. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which peaks in winter, exacerbates feelings of isolation, especially for those distanced from family or estranged due to the consequences of past substance use. Strategies for Safeguarding Sobriety Crafting a Detailed Holiday Plan Sobriety thrives on structure. A premeditated holiday itinerary—complete with exit strategies, recovery meetings, and sober companions—can inoculate against unforeseen stressors. Identifying high-risk events and replacing them with intentional, recovery-aligned activities empowers individuals to reclaim the season on their terms. Choosing Sober-Friendly Environments Vigilant curation of social settings is paramount. Opting for gatherings that do not center around alcohol or drugs—like potluck dinners, nature hikes, or volunteer events—provides safe harbor. When in unavoidable mixed settings, carrying a non-alcoholic beverage can neutralize peer pressure and reduce awkward inquiries. The Power of a Support System During Festivities Leveraging Peer Networks and Recovery Communities There is strength in solidarity. Regular check-ins with sponsors, virtual recovery meetings, and engagement with sober communities act as lifelines. These connections offer empathy untainted by judgment and provide a compass when old temptations resurface. Communicating Boundaries with Family and Friends Clear, proactive communication defuses potential conflict. Expressing preferences—such as requesting alcohol-free zones or declining certain traditions—signals self-respect and sets the tone for meaningful connection. Boundary-setting is not a confrontation; it's an act of self-preservation. Navigating Family Dynamics with Grace Identifying Toxic Patterns and Protecting Energy Family gatherings can stir dormant dysfunctions. Old roles, expectations, and unresolved tensions often resurface. Recognizing these patterns allows for proactive boundary implementation, such as limiting time with certain individuals or having a private space to decompress. Practicing Assertiveness and Emotional Self-Regulation Assertiveness is not aggression; it's clarity with kindness. Calmly stating needs or stepping away from volatile conversations prevents emotional derailment. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or grounding exercises can anchor the mind amidst chaos. Finding Joy in New Holiday Traditions Reimagining Rituals: From Toasts to Traditions The absence of alcohol or substances does not signal the absence of joy. Creating new rituals—mocktail crafting, gratitude journaling, or attending sunrise services—imbues the season with fresh meaning. Rituals rooted in mindfulness and connection cultivate authentic celebration. Acts of Service and Mindful Festivities Giving back transforms focus from self to others. Volunteering at shelters, assembling care packages, or writing letters to isolated seniors fosters gratitude and purpose. These acts not only counteract isolation but also rekindle the human spirit. When Slips Happen: Responding to Relapse with Compassion Embracing Accountability, Not Shame Relapse, while painful, is not synonymous with failure. It signals areas requiring support and reflection. Shame immobilizes, but accountability propels forward movement. Sharing the experience with a sponsor or therapist can turn a setback into a pivotal learning moment. Getting Back on Track with Constructive Tools Revisiting foundational recovery tools—daily reflections, step work, support meetings—restores alignment. Immediate re-engagement with the recovery network and re-establishing daily routines can arrest the spiral of relapse and reignite commitment. When it comes to managing opioid dependence, knowing exactly what medication you're using is essential for safety and effectiveness. One commonly prescribed option is the Suboxone round orange pill , a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent misuse. Recognizable by its distinctive shape and color, this pill plays a key role in many medication-assisted treatment plans. Patients are encouraged to follow their provider's guidance closely and be aware of how the medication works. Education and proper usage can significantly improve treatment outcomes and support a smoother journey toward long-term recovery. Conclusion: Redefining Celebration Through a Sober Lens Sobriety does not exile one from joy—it redefines it. Holidays in recovery are not lesser; they are intentional. Through thoughtful planning, boundaries, and community, individuals can experience profound connection, authenticity, and peace. In embracing sober celebrations, the holiday season becomes not a gauntlet, but a gateway—to renewal, resilience, and radiant self-respect. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
