From extreme heat to severe storms to wildfire smoke, many people have had to stay in their homes this summer, causing isolation similar to what we saw at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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00:00 All throughout the country, this will be the summer to remember.
00:03 Whether it's the poor air quality, record-setting high temperatures, massive storms or droves
00:08 of rain, many people have been forced to stay inside simply to cope with the extenuating
00:14 circumstances.
00:15 But there is a toll that can come with that, and it may be on our mental health.
00:19 Here to talk to us more about that is the director of the Disaster Distress Helpline,
00:24 Christian Burgess.
00:25 Chris, thanks so much for being here.
00:27 First off, let's talk about what is missing when you are forced to stay inside due to
00:32 the excessive weather outside.
00:34 For many people, there is definitely less socializing and physical activity when we're
00:38 told to shelter in place due to extreme heat or any other disaster where emergency officials
00:44 are directing us to stay inside for our safety and the safety of our loved ones.
00:48 And, you know, it's one thing when we stay inside by choice.
00:52 It's another thing when we have to stay inside because of an external threat that's out of
00:56 our control, which can lead to feelings of distress.
00:59 Do these circumstances have a familiar twang to the days of COVID, perhaps?
01:04 And can that be anxiety-inducing now?
01:07 Absolutely.
01:08 You may not be able to exercise outside like you normally do to relieve stress or get together
01:12 with friends in person, attend community events, things that normally help you to feel connected
01:18 with others and happy.
01:20 During extreme heat, people with underlying medical concerns are especially vulnerable,
01:25 and for many people, prolonged heat waves also affect their ability to work if your
01:29 job is outdoors and so can impact your finances.
01:32 So this all does seem familiar because it's similar to what we experienced during the
01:37 height of the pandemic.
01:39 And is there a way to adapt and still enjoy the summer from the inside?
01:42 Do you have any advice on that?
01:45 Adapting is exactly what we should all do during extreme heat waves so we can cope and
01:49 get through them.
01:50 But first, I recommend checking on others who may be vulnerable in your family or neighborhood
01:56 because making a call, sending a text, or knocking on a door, asking how someone is
02:01 doing can go a long way in helping people to feel less alone and will actually make
02:05 you feel better too for practicing an act of kindness.
02:08 Try to treat having to shelter in place during extreme heat like a vacation.
02:12 Play board games, read a fun book, have a summer-themed movie night or mocktail party.
02:18 Get creative and do things you don't normally make time to do so that you don't focus on
02:22 what you're missing out on but rather something that you're gaining.
02:26 When should someone decide, "Hey, I need to seek help"?
02:30 When do we know that we've reached that point?
02:33 It's really important to connect with someone you trust and share what's on your mind.
02:38 Extreme heat, like any disaster, can activate or exacerbate emotional distress or even more
02:43 serious concerns like depression or substance abuse.
02:46 So reach out to a health care provider or call or text the National Disaster Distress
02:50 Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
02:55 Sometimes you just need somebody to talk to.
02:57 The Director of the Disaster Distress Helpline, Christian Burgess, thanks for your time.