Heatwaves don’t just give you sunburn — they can harm your mental health too
Vulnerable populations at risk
The poorest and most marginalized are disproportionately more vulnerable to the harms caused by climate breakdown-related weather events – and heatwaves are no exception. Countries such asIndia and Pakistanhave already suffered an immense loss of life and livelihoods thanks to waves of more than45℃ heat, and the emotional trauma of the aftermath lasts well beyond temperatures have cooled.
Millions of people with pre-existing mental health conditions are also known to be at greater risk of harm during heatwaves than the general population. This is because many psychiatric medicationsinhibit temperature regulationand the ability to sweat, making dangerous heatstroke more likely. This is also the case for recreational drugs likecocaine and ecstasy, whose typical use during sweat-inducing rave activities can also lead to dangerously low sodium levels in the blood – a problem that can be exacerbated by drinking excessive volumes of water.
Similarly, those with dementia or other serious mental illnesses that limit their ability to self-care are also more at risk, as they may not adjust their behavior sufficiently to protect themselves from the heat. For example, they may not notice if their clothing is inappropriate for the temperature, or forget to turn their home’s heating down. One study demonstrated that the risk of death for patients with severe and enduring mental illnesses such as psychosis, dementia, and substance misuse increases byas much as 5%with every 1°C increase above roughly 18°C.
We are only just starting to scratch the surface of the complex ways in which heatwaves – andother extreme climate events– affect mental health. For now, as future heatwaves envelop us, take time to make sure those most vulnerable to its effects are kept safe. As for yourself, make sure not only to keep your body cool, but your head too.
This article is republished fromThe ConversationbyHarriet Ingle, Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Psychology,Glasgow Caledonian Universityunder a Creative Commons license. Read theoriginal article.
Story byThe Conversation
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