Feeling crankier than usual? More irritable? How about your kids? If that's you, you're not alone.
Psychologists say the extreme heat may be the reason. It's not quite the same as the winter blues, but the summer heat has an effect on our bodies and our brains, and more often than not, it makes people less productive.
Dr. Laura DrGrandis, a psychologist at River Park Psychology says there's been a lot of research done on the topic. She says extreme heat actually lowers levels of seratonin in the brain, which is a feel good chemical.
Dr. DeGrandis says the chemical changes in people's brains can make people more prone to depression feel depressed, and people more prone to violence, act out.
Wichita Police say crime rates are typically higher in the summer, but they can't account for the heat in any other crimes trends.
DeGrandis says the solution is to do the things you normally do to lift your spirits. Usually, the feelings are situational, meaning when the weather cools down, so will the hot tempers.
