Peak summer is upon us, and the temperature is in the triple digits. In 2024, Las Vegas experienced its hottest summer on record, including its hottest day — 120 degrees, breaking the previous record of 117.
The heat is a life-threatening health risk for Southern Nevadans. It can cause dehydration, exhaustion, heatstroke, and even burns if skin touches the hot pavement.
Less known is how the heat affects mental health.
Over 100,000 Nevadans experience seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression. And although SAD is commonly associated with fall and winter, many don’t realize it occurs in the summer.
Stephen Benning, an Associate Psychology Professor at UNLV, defines SAD as “a pattern of having mood episodes typically relating to depression… especially as the weather changes.”
The human body becomes challenged due to Southern Nevada’s sweltering heat. People who experience summer SAD find themselves hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. This feeling of being “oppressed by the heat” can lead to:
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling unmotivated
- Sleep disturbance
- Disrupted social rhythm (e.g. exercise, spending time with friends and family, walking dogs or other pet-care routines)
- Inability to take pleasure in normal activities
Shelby Armstrong, a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern at Red Rock Counseling, says that many of her clients who come in feeling depressed during the season are often confused why.
“They come in and they’re like… ‘It’s the summer, I should be having fun,’” she says. “It [SAD] is mostly associated with the winter months --- where there’s rain, where there’s overcast --- and they don’t realize they can have it in the summer.”
According to Benning, summer SAD is not well studied.
Although he can attest that women and younger people (between ages 18 and 30) are prone to experiencing SAD, there are no official statistics of its prevalence among Nevadan adults.
There are ways to combat SAD, but it might take some lifestyle adjustment until the weather gets cooler. Here are some tips from Armstrong and Benning:
- Do things you normally enjoy that can be done indoors, away from the heat (e.g. read a book or listen to music)
- Find ways to stay social
- Have a schedule
- For those who like the outdoors, try mountain activities like hiking
Moderation is key, according to Armstrong. No matter what, “Do everything you can to stay cool,” she says. “Go outside for a little bit, but don’t overdo it.”
Guests: Stephen Benning, Associate Psychology Professor at UNLV; Shelby Armstrong, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern at Red Rock Counseling
