What Austin’s heat means for mental health

Heat affects people without mental health conditions too. Nuwayhid said those spending more time alone or avoiding outdoor activities due to discomfort should monitor their own well-being and stay socially connected where possible.

"Am I spending too much time by myself? Am I not talking, not interacting with people?" Nuwayhid said. "Are there activities that usually make me happy but I'm avoiding because of the heat?"

What to watch for

Anyone experiencing confusion, stopping sweating or a body temperature above 103 degrees should call 911 immediately. These are signs of heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency, Nuwayhid said.

For less severe symptoms such as fatigue or achiness, he recommended getting out of the sun, finding shade, hydrating and resting until symptoms pass.

"If you stop sweating, that's very bad. It means your ability to regulate your temperature through sweating has been lost. We really need to seek medical attention,” Nuwayhid said.

The city of Austin reported 166 heat-related or suspected heat-related illnesses between May 1 and June 8, according to its website.

Community resources

All Austin Public Library branches and Austin Parks and Recreation facilities serve as cooling centers during normal operating hours, according to Austin Emergency Management. Travis County community centers also serve as cooling centers Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Integral Care operates a 24-hour crisis hotline for mental health support, coping resources and cooling shelter referrals. Mobile teams are also deployed into the community and regularly visit the Sunrise Community Center for residents with less secure housing.

For more information on emergency preparedness in Austin, visit www.austintexas.gov/ready-central-texas or see the city’s map of cooling centers below.