If you’re feeling anxious, irritable, or even depressed due to the scorching heat, rest assured that it’s not just in your head. High temperatures not only harm the body but also have an impact on mental health. As heat waves become more intense and frequent, scientists emphasize the need to address their effects on the mind.
According to Dr. Joshua Wortzel, chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s committee on climate change and mental health, it has only been in the last five years that the impact has been recognized. The understanding of why this association exists is still in its early stages.
Research has shown a strong link between high temperatures and various mental health issues. Suicides, violent crime, aggression, emergency room visits, hospitalizations for mental disorders, and deaths, particularly among those with schizophrenia, dementia, psychosis, and substance use, all increase during heat waves. For every 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature, the risk of death among patients with psychosis, dementia, or substance use rises by nearly 5%.
Studies have reported a 0.7% increase in suicides and a 4% to 6% increase in interpersonal violence with rising temperatures. Heat not only amplifies feelings of irritability and anger, but it also worsens existing mental illnesses such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression. Vulnerable groups include older adults, adolescents, individuals with pre-existing mental illnesses, and those who are homeless or have a lower socioeconomic status.
A landmark study analyzed data on over two million people with private insurance and found that emergency department visits for mental illnesses were significantly higher during the hottest summer days compared to the coolest days. This increase was more pronounced in northern parts of the United States, which may be less prepared for heat waves than other regions.
Various biological explanations have been proposed to explain the connection between high temperatures and mental health disorders. Disrupted sleep is one possible cause, as room temperature needs to be below 68 degrees for quality sleep. Warmer nights lead to sleep disturbances, which can negatively affect psychiatric disorders, suicide risk, memory, mood, and cognitive function. Older adults and women are more susceptible to sleep loss.
Increased sunlight and heat raise serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter associated with mood, anxiety, and depression. This increase can lead to mood swings, aggression, and irritability. Additionally, certain medications affect the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. Medications prescribed for schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder impair sweating, which can result in toxic levels of lithium and serious physical and mental problems.
High temperatures can also indirectly affect mental health. Crop nutrient deficiencies due to increased heat can have psychiatric consequences, and rising temperatures expand the reach of disease-carrying vectors. Heat worsens air quality, triggering anxiety and depression.
Climate change’s impact on mental health extends beyond the immediate effects of heat. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns of anxiety, grief, and stress resulting from rising temperatures, displacement, famine, and economic losses. Individuals with chronic health problems, children, adolescents, and older adults are particularly vulnerable.
The term “climate distress” has been coined to describe the myriad feelings triggered by environmental changes such as anxiety, terror, sadness, shame, and guilt. Coping strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy and medications may not be sufficient to address the very real threat of climate change.
Local governments can help individuals feel less vulnerable by implementing long-term plans for extreme heat. Providing information about cooling rooms for those without air conditioning can also help. Connecting with others who share the same worries and taking action to mitigate the worst outcomes can alleviate climate distress.
In conclusion, the blistering heat has significant effects on both the body and mind. Recognizing the impact of high temperatures on mental health is crucial as heat waves become more frequent and intense. Combatting climate distress requires collective efforts and preparedness to minimize the harmful consequences of rising temperatures.
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