How desert heat amplifies grief, and how to cope

Elisa Krcilek

Submitted photo

Healing takes time, and it looks different for everyone, especially in the summer.”

Arizona summers are unforgiving. For those grieving the loss of a loved one, the heat doesn’t just wear on the body — it weighs on the soul.

As a certified grief support specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen how our extreme weather amplifies grief in quiet but powerful ways. Heat can make even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. It doesn’t just dehydrate — it drains the strength to cope, connect and carry on.

The research supports this. The American Psychological Association reports that mental health-related ER visits increase by 8% on the hottest days. People facing recent trauma or bereavement are especially vulnerable. The Lancet also links extreme heat to higher rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among older adults and those already struggling emotionally.

But even in the harshest season, support is possible. Here are a few practical ways to tend to grief during the summer months:

Stay hydrated

Grief and heat both take a physical toll. Drinking water regularly can help stabilize mood and reduce stress. Small habits — like adding fruit to water or setting reminders — can make a noticeable difference in energy and emotional balance.

Create a memory space

Set aside a cool, quiet area in your home with photos, keepsakes or familiar scents. This can offer a place to reflect, find comfort or to simply sit with your feelings.

Reach out

Even brief connections with others can help. Whether it’s a phone call, a text or attending a support group, staying connected eases the sense of isolation that often accompanies grief. Look online for virtual or in-person grief support groups or resources.

Try creative expression

You don’t have to be artistic. Activities like journaling, ice painting or making a memory jar can help release emotions that feel too heavy to put into words. Creative expression allows grief to move — not stay stuck.

Walk after sunset

Once the day cools, consider taking an evening walk. Gentle movement in the evening air can lower cortisol levels, calm the nervous system and offer space to reflect.

Grief doesn’t follow the seasons, but how we respond to it must. Arizona’s heat may be relentless, but meaningful support and relief are still within reach.

If you're grieving, you are not alone. Be gentle with yourself. Healing takes time, and it looks different for everyone, especially in the summer.

Editor’s note: Elisa Krcilek is vice president at Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery in Mesa and a certified grief support specialist. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines