In recent times, the scorching and ceaseless heat’s influence on emotional well-being has been acknowledged as a genuine concern, dispelling the notion that it’s a mere psychological phenomenon.
With elevated temperatures, extreme heat impacts mental health too. With the escalation of heatwaves in terms of intensity, frequency, and duration, it has become imperative for the scientific community to address their impact on psychological well-being.
Dr. Joshua Wortzel, who leads the committee on climate change and mental health at the American Psychiatric Association, highlighted that only within the past five years has there been substantial recognition of this phenomenon, underlining that comprehension of the biological basis behind this association is still in its nascent stage.
Studies have identified a significant correlation between high temperatures and an uptick in suicides. Heat has been linked to an increase in violent crimes, aggression, visits to emergency rooms due to mental disorders, hospitalizations, and even deaths, especially among individuals afflicted with conditions like schizophrenia, dementia, psychosis, and substance abuse.
For every degree Celsius rise in temperature, there is an estimated nearly 5 percent escalation in the risk of death for patients with conditions like psychosis, dementia, or substance use. Research also points to a rise of 0.7 percent in suicides attributed to rising temperatures and a 4 to 6 percent surge in interpersonal violence, encompassing homicides.
The impact of heat goes beyond exacerbating irritability and anger; it aggravates existing mental illnesses such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression. Vulnerable groups include older adults, adolescents, individuals with pre-existing mental disorders, those with limited socioeconomic status, and the homeless.
A significant study analyzed data from over two million privately insured individuals, revealing notably higher emergency department visits for mental illnesses during the hottest days of summer. This disparity was more pronounced in northern regions of the United States, possibly due to their lesser preparedness to handle heatwaves.
The disparity in mental health conditions affected by extreme heat spans mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress disorders, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and self-harm.
Dr. Nori-Sarma emphasized that extreme heat acts as an external stressor that exacerbates mental health symptoms, with a more pronounced impact on those with inadequate insurance coverage or experiencing homelessness.
Several biological explanations have been proposed to elucidate the link between soaring heat and mental health disorders. Disturbed sleep patterns could be a root cause, as ideal sleep conditions involve room temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer nights result in delayed sleep onset and early awakening, along with poorer sleep quality.
Prolonged periods of inadequate sleep not only worsen chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease but also negatively impact psychiatric disorders, suicide risk, memory, mood, and cognitive function. Older adults and women are particularly vulnerable to these effects.
Beyond sleep, other physical changes induced by heat, such as elevated heart rates and disrupted serotonin levels, contribute to mental and emotional shifts. Increased sunlight and heat can lead to mood swings, aggression, and irritability due to heightened serotonin levels.
Additionally, widely-used medications for various conditions can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation mechanism, potentially leading to toxic levels of substances like lithium, further exacerbating physical and mental health problems.
Indirectly, rising temperatures affect mental health through reduced nutrient absorption by crops, expanding disease vectors, increasing allergens and pollutants, and worsening air quality – all of which can trigger anxiety and depression. However, the immediate impact of heat on mental health is closely interlinked with feelings of existential threat posed by climate change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned of the emotional toll resulting from rising temperatures, displacement, famine, and social and economic losses, particularly affecting vulnerable groups.
The term “climate distress” has emerged to encompass feelings such as anxiety, terror, sadness, shame, and guilt arising from environmental changes. This distress is especially heightened for those already dealing with anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, often effective for other emotional challenges, may fall short in addressing climate-related distress due to its undeniable reality.To mitigate how extreme heat impacts mental health, local governments can help by creating long-term strategies for heatwaves, providing cooling rooms for those without air conditioning, and fostering community connections.
Encouraging action on various fronts to prevent the worst consequences of climate change can also alleviate climate distress. As we grapple with the unsettling reality of increasingly extreme heat, it becomes crucial to acknowledge the tangible impact on mental health and adopt strategies that offer solace amidst this evolving challenge.
