Summer Depression: How Extreme Heat Affects Mental Health

Rising temperatures are taking a toll on mental health as well as physical. About 1% of people experience a form of seasonal depression that strikes in summer rather than winter. Health psychologist Christa Schirl calls this heat-related mood shift 'heat-crazed'. Summer depression brings symptoms like inner restlessness, fatigue, and trouble focusing. Sufferers often lose interest in activities and their appetites. These issues worsen as heatwaves grow more intense, longer-lasting, and arrive earlier each year.

Temperatures above 35°C put significant strain on the body. The heat disrupts sleep, especially the REM phase, which is vital for mental recovery. Poor sleep and physical stress then weaken impulse control, increasing irritability and emotional sensitivity.

Hospitals see the impact clearly. Emergency room visits for mental health crises rise by nearly 10% during heatwaves. Social pressures, including the fear of missing out, can make these feelings worse for those already struggling. Schirl advises those affected to adopt a matter-of-fact attitude towards the heat. She recommends radical acceptance as a way to reduce stress. With heatwaves set to continue, understanding and managing these effects may become increasingly important.