When it comes to weather and mental health, we usually focus on seasonal depression during the winter. However, summer can also bring its own challenges, especially for individuals taking an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) such as Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa or Paxil. If you’re taking one of those medications, hot weather may affect you differently than it affects other people. Certain antidepressants can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature and sweat efficiently, making heat feel more intense and potentially increasing the risk of heat-related illness (CDC, 2024).

This doesn’t mean you should stop taking your medication. Abruptly stopping an SSRI can create problems. But it does mean that learning how heat affects both your body and mind can help you take care of yourself more intentionally during the summer.

Why Heat Affects Mental Health

Your mind and body are interconnected, and when temperatures rise, your body works harder to maintain a safe internal temperature. That process requires energy and puts additional stress on the brain and body.

Extreme heat is associated with worsening mental health symptoms, increased psychiatric emergencies, disrupted sleep, irritability and greater emotional distress. Research has found that several factors may contribute, including stress on the body’s temperature-regulation systems, sleep disruption, dehydration and changes in brain functioning during periods of prolonged heat (Lõhmus, 2018).

You might notice:

• Increased anxiety
• More irritability, frustration, or on edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low motivation
• Poor sleep
• Emotional exhaustion
• Feeling overwhelmed more easily

For people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma or burnout, heat can amplify symptoms that were already present.

When Summer Doesn’t Feel Good

There’s a lot of pressure to enjoy summer, but the reality is that not everyone feels their best during summer. Some people experience increased anxiety, agitation, sleep difficulties or even seasonal depression during the warmer months.

If you’ve noticed yourself feeling more emotionally dysregulated when temperatures climb, it may be because your nervous system is working harder than the rest of the year.

SNRIs, TCAs and SSRIs Heat Intolerance

The CDC reported that some antidepressant medications, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) can affect sweating and the body’s ability to cool itself (CDC, 2024). They may increase heat sensitivity and make it more difficult for some people to regulate their internal temperature during hot weather. 

Individuals taking SSRIs may notice:

• Excessive sweating
• Feeling overheated more quickly
• Dizziness
• Increased fatigue
• Greater difficulty tolerating heat or hot weather feels much more intense
• Quicker dehydration

One reason may be that serotonin plays a role in thermoregulation, the body’s process of maintaining a stable temperature. Certain antidepressants can influence these systems, making some individuals more vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. (CDC)

Why Heat Can Feel Emotionally Overwhelming

When you’re overheated, dehydrated or sleeping poorly, things feel more stressful, and it’s harder to regulate your emotions. Research has found that sleep disruption is one of the ways heat may worsen mental health. People often get less restorative sleep during extreme heat waves, which can significantly impact mood regulation and stress tolerance the next day (Lõhmus, 2018).

What feels like worsening anxiety or depression may be a combination of:

• Heat exposure
• Poor sleep
• Dehydration
• Physical exhaustion
• Increased nervous system activation

Signs You May Need to Slow Down

One challenge with heat-related stress is that people often push through and ignore their body’s signals that they need a break or support.

Pay attention if you notice:

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Brain fog
• Unusual fatigue
• Increased anxiety
• Feeling emotionally overwhelmed
• Difficulty concentrating

These can be signs that your body is struggling with heat and dehydration, not just stress. 

Practical Ways to Care for Your Mental Health During Heat Waves

I’m not saying you have to stay inside all summer. Many people work outdoors, walk to work, rely on public transportation, or live in areas where avoiding the heat isn’t realistic. Instead, try to plan out ways to support your nervous system more intentionally.

Stay Ahead of Hydration

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Even mild dehydration can affect your mood, concentration, and energy levels. If you’re taking an SSRI and outside sweating more than usual, set timers to remind yourself to drink water, so you make sure you’re getting enough.

Prioritize Sleep

If heat is interfering with sleep, focus on cooling your sleeping environment as much as possible. A cooler room can make a significant difference in both physical comfort and emotional regulation. If you don’t have AC at home, you can create your own DIY AC by freezing a large plastic water bottle, covering it in a damp dish towel, and then placing it in a tray in front of a fan. 

Adjust Expectations

When your energy is lower during periods of extreme heat, you may need more rest, slower workouts, additional recovery time or a less booked schedule.

Notice What Your Body Is Saying

Many people are conditioned to ignore their body’s signals for the sake of productivity or not being a burden to others. Summer can be a good opportunity to practice listening to your body’s signals. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to pause and check in with your body. You can try asking yourself different questions, including:

Am I tired?
Am I overheating?
What do I need right now?

Am I overstimulated?
Do I need a break?

Talk With Your Doctor

If you’re struggling with SNRI, TCA or SSRI heat intolerance, bring it up with your healthcare provider. Don’t stop or adjust medication on your own. Let your doctor know that you’re having a difficult time with heat intolerance, and ask what options there are to help manage during the summer. 

Support Throughout the Summer | New York City Therapy

If you’re navigating increased depression, anxiety or stress during the summer, therapy can help you find some relief. At Tate Psychotherapy, I provide holistic therapy for adults and teens in New York City and virtually across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Louisiana and Texas. To begin therapy or if you have questions, please reach out for a free consultation.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 27). Heat and Medications – Guidance for Clinicians. Heat Health. https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-guidance/heat-and-medications-guidance-for-clinicians.html
Lõhmus, M. (2018). Possible Biological Mechanisms Linking Mental Health and Heat—A Contemplative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(7), 1515. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071515