Heatwave And Mental Health: How Does Intense Heat Impact Or Trigger Mental Illnesses?
Intense heat makes it difficult for people with already existing mental illnesses to cope with it and it may also trigger mental disorders. Let us learn more about the link between the two.
Extreme heatwaves not only have a physical impact on your body but also a mental impact. Climate change has been causing havoc across the world including India. Many other countries are also witnessing record temperatures and in India, the recent highest temperature was recorded at 52 degree Celsius in the North. A warning for every one, intense heat could have a severe impact on your mental health as well and this is way this subject requires more awareness and extra precautionary measures.
How does heat impact mental health? Firstly, we are all aware of how extreme heat can lead to heat stress, exhaustion and stroke. On top of that, people may also suffer from sleepless nights due to the uncomfortable temperature and they may feel constantly irritated and agitated. These reactions to heat are actually very normal as it does not allow your brain to function normally and it also impacts your mood.
How Does Intense Heat Trigger Mental Illnesses?
Here are the mental health problems that it may trigger:
- Schizophrenia: Research conducted by Mayo Clinic states that heat in particular is difficult to manage for schizophrenia patients. This is because they are unable to respond normally to temperature changes. Their body does not show any cautionary signs. Both extreme heat and cold can trigger symptoms and require hospitalisation.
- Depression: Extreme heat can lead to a condition known as summer depression. This is also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it happens both in winters and summers. Researchers from UCLA Health concluded that symptoms of depression can get really worse in extreme summers.
- Suicidal Behaviour: Research conducted by UCLA Health also states that people may get suicidal behaviour during summers and the rates may go up. The research states that even a less than 2-degree increase in average temperature in a month can increase3 suicide rates by 1.5%.
- Irritability and Aggression: UCLA Health revealed that summer heat causes irritability, aggression and mood swings resulting in very low mood in many people.
Heatwave May Impact The Mental Health Of These People
Here are the at risk groups who may not be able to cope with their mental health during intense heatwaves:
- People suffering from chronic illness.
- People suffering from dementia. It may lead to hospitalisaton and death.
- People who are experiencing financial challenges.
- People with preexisting mental health conditions.
- Pregnant women may get affected by heat.
- People who suffer from substance abuse problems.