Heatwaves impact mental health, new research reveals

(Web Desk): While heatwaves are widely known to have several negative effects on physical health, they can also impact mental health.

Yes, it's true — heatwaves increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

This was revealed in a new medical study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, which found a strong link between heatwaves and mental health problems.

The research emphasized that the effects of climate change are not limited to the body — they also significantly affect the brain.

The study examined data from nearly 20,000 individuals aged 10 to 18 from various regions of China. It found that heatwaves had a clear negative impact on mental health.

The more frequent or intense the heatwave exposure, the higher the likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety, or both.

According to the study, for every single-unit increase in heatwave intensity, the risk of depression increased by 13%, and the risk of anxiety rose by 12%.

The researchers noted that while there has been extensive research on the effects of heatwaves on physical health, the growing intensity of heat due to climate change hasn’t been equally studied in terms of its impact on mental well-being.

They further explained that the findings strongly suggest a connection between climate change and mental health.

The researchers pointed out that young people are particularly vulnerable, and it goes without saying that depression and anxiety are already very common mental health disorders among youth worldwide.

They concluded by stating that although this study has certain limitations, long-term research is needed to confirm these results. However, even so, the study presents solid evidence indicating a link between heatwaves and mental health symptoms.