The close connection between high temperatures and mental health problems, experts raise the alarm!

When the temperature rises, so do the rates of suicide, crime and violence. This is the conclusion researchers and doctors are coming to, looking at the evidence during periods of extreme heat. Psychologists have noted that there is generally increased hate speech and aggression on social media during heat waves.

Apart from these, anxiety and depression also increase a lot. Doctors and scientists are beginning to unravel the complex interplay between extreme heat and mental health. Shabab Wahid, a mental health expert at Georgetown University's Department of Global Health, says:

There is a growing body of research that is identifying this link between climate factors and negative mental health outcomes. As climate change continues to worsen, these links will continue to strengthen.

Although heat has been shown to affect brain function, the exact mechanisms are not well studied. Scientists talk about a host of interrelated psychological, social and biological factors, ranging from interrupted sleep to dehydration. Anyone who has experienced a heat wave faces insomnia.

Over time, the cumulative effects can lead to memory loss, lack of focus, and increased irritability. Sleep problems often even lead to bipolar disorder. For this reason, experts call for people to be more careful with the heat and go to the doctors in case of concerns./TAR