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.
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