Muscat: HEAT can affect a person’s memory, attention, and even reactions. For those having certain psychological conditions, these changes can increase the risk of developing dangerous symptoms or behaviour that are linked to aggression and violence.
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health of September 2022 showed that extreme heat is associated with a rise in online hate speech.
Workers in the medical field and medical research say that high temperatures play an important role in the psyche and mentality of individuals, including hindering individuals’ concentration and attention.
Heat can also affect people’s moods, lead to increased tension and a tendency toward violence, and hinder brain processes. High temperatures affect sleep quality.
Dr Hamed al Sinawi, a senior consultant psychiatrist, says: “There is new evidence linking the rise in temperature to an increase in aggression and criminal behaviour. I remember having a client in his forties who was traumatised during the hurricane that affected Oman in 2007 when his car drowned in the flooding. Since then, he has become extremely anxious and panicky when he sees heavy clouds stopping his family from leaving the house, and he will not relax until the clouds disappear.”
According to studies, people with underlying mental health conditions are at higher risk for death from increased heat and humidity by 25 per cent to 30 per cent compared to those without such conditions.
Climate change may also affect early childhood development, while air pollution and higher temperatures increase the risk of stroke and dementia among older adults.
So, what can be done to reduce the psychological impact of climate change?
Globally, more strategies and action plans need to be implemented to address climate change and what can be done to prevent further damage to the ecosystem.
Funding for research on the psychological impact of climate change and what can be done to improve the psychological resilience of people and help them recover from the trauma they experience following extreme weather events.
It is imperative to design culturally appropriate psycho-social interventions since people behave differently when facing atrocities.
Raising public awareness about climate change would encourage everyone to do their best to prevent further damage to the environment. Training volunteers to deliver psychological first aid would reduce the impact of weather conditions on those affected.
Negative effects of heat waves on mental health can be reduced through means, most notably ensuring the presence of air conditioning and proper ventilation and providing community counselling to keep the body cool for people at risk.
Increasing tree cover in cities, improving building standards, and strengthening mental health systems. It is also possible to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.
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