Extreme heat can trigger mental health issues - Psychiatrist

Extreme heat can lead to depression, stress, mental distress, and restlessness, Psychiatrist Vindya Wijayabandara said.

She made these remarks while addressing a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau today (01), focusing on the impact of extreme heat on mental health.

Dr. Wijayabandara explained that dehydration caused by excessive heat can alter chemical conditions in the body, potentially leading to a decline in mental well-being of a person.

Commenting further, she stated:

“Excessive heat can lead to depression, stress, disturbed mental states, and restlessness. Stress, anxiety, and depression are interrelated, and high temperatures can intensify these conditions.

“Excessive heat can cause dehydration. The changes in chemical levels that occur can cause a person’s mentality to drop. The effects of chemicals and hormones in the brain can all affect the mentality. When the heat increases, sleep is disrupted. This can also lead to depression. A person can become stressed with high heat.

“Certain groups are at higher risk, including individuals with chronic illnesses, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

“Alcohol and drug use directly affect. Drinking alcohol is not suitable in such conditions, as it can contribute to mental instability in a high heat condition. So drinking alcohol can cause mental instability and stress can occur. Especially extreme heat can lead to conditions such as absent-mindedness and lapse of memory. 

“Do relaxing exercises to keep your mind healthy. Meditate, listen to music, and do activities that connect with the environment. Do what you can to keep your mental state good.

“Extreme heat disrupts sleep at night, which can further increase mental stress,” Dr. Wijayabandara added.