mental health issues: How is extreme heat affecting your mental health?

The month of May has been the hottest month in recent times not just in the US but also in the world. A record number of heatwaves have been recorded in the US. Presently, heat wave alerts have been issued for the eastern states and the central part. It is in this context that experts have revealed that the high temperatures are wreaking havoc on people’s mental health. It is leading to high levels of frustration, anxiety and high stress among individuals. This has been reported by USA Today.

Effects of heatwave on mental health:

While soaking in the Sun is known to increase Vitamin D levels, extreme heat can have the opposite effect. Apart from causing stress, anxiety and irritation, it is also known to cause cognitive impairments, according to experts. Research also indicates that during a heatwave, there is an increase in the suicide rates, incidents of domestic violence, substance use and other crimes including road rage incidents.

Effects on Physiology:

Heatwaves are also known to cause disruption to sleep patterns. An individual is likely to remain stressed, irritated and anxious if they don’t get sufficient good quality sleep. Increasing heat is also known to cause hormonal changes. It leads to an increase in cortisol levels in the body. This is popularly known as the stress hormone. It leads to reduced alertness and cognitive abilities. Finally, the effectiveness of some medicines can also be reduced due to the over bearing heat.

FAQ’s
How many died of heatwave in the US?
In 2023, more than 2300 people died due to excessive heat. This was the highest in 45 years, according to Associated Press.

How is crime linked to increased temperatures?
Increased temperatures lead to higher crime rate. In the US, a study found that in 2019, violent crimes increased up to 5.7% on days when temperatures crossed 85 degrees.