We all know Arizona summers are brutal — but for those grieving the loss of a loved one, that dry, heavy heat can intensify what they’re already struggling to carry.
According to the American Psychological Association, mental health-related ER visits increase by 8% on the hottest days of summer compared to the coolest ones, with individuals experiencing recent trauma or loss among the most impacted. Add those stats to people living in the Valley where temperatures can soar past 110°F for days at a time, and that toll is more than physical — it’s emotional and deeply personal.
Elisa Krcilek, Vice President of Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery in Mesa, sees this dynamic every season. With over a decade of experience supporting grieving families — and as a certified grief support specialist — she’s developed practical, compassionate ways to help Valley residents cope when loss and extreme heat collide:
Stay Hydrated — Emotionally and Physically
Grief depletes your energy — add 110° heat, and your body enters survival mode. Make sure to drink water not just for your physical health, but to reduce anxiety and regulate mood.
Cool Down with a “Memory Space”
Creating a calm, air-conditioned nook at home with photos, textures, or scents that remind you of your loved one can reduce emotional overwhelm. It’s a sensory-based approach that invites peace during peak heat hours.
Talk to Strangers
Yes — really. Studies show talking to strangers boosts happiness and reduces loneliness. Grief groups, like those hosted as casual community meetups inside Mountain View Funeral Home, can help guests open up without pressure.
Grieve Creatively (Even If You’re Not Artistic)
From ice painting to memory jars and guided journaling, creative expression helps move emotions. Elisa hosts monthly indoor workshops that offer relief without requiring anyone to “talk it out” unless they want to.
Grief Walks at Dusk
Grief intensifies in silence. We recommend “grief walks” at dusk, when temperatures cool and the stillness becomes a companion, not a burden. Mountain View provides guided moonlight walks once a month to help release emotion in a peaceful setting.
Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery is located at 7900 E. Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207.
