This summer, Morocco is facing extreme heatwaves with temperatures reaching up to 47°C, raising concerns not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. Studies show that high temperatures can trigger or worsen anxiety, irritability, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and depression—especially in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
This summer, Morocco has been bracing for heatwaves, with temperatures reaching as high as 47 degrees. But while extreme temperatures can trigger a range of physical health problems, from heat exhaustion and heatstroke to dehydration, cardiovascular strain, and respiratory issues, our mental health may also be at risk.
Heatwaves don’t just put a strain on our bodies; they weigh heavily on our minds. Several studies have highlighted the link between exposure to extreme heat and a rise in mental health issues.
Often overshadowed by physical symptoms, these psychological effects can disrupt daily life, strain relationships, and worsen existing mental health conditions. So, what kind of psychological response can our bodies have to heat and high temperatures?
Anxiety and Unease
Extreme heat can trigger emotional distress by activating the body’s stress response, says a 2023 study titled «
High Temperatures on Mental Health: Recognizing the Association and the Need for Proactive Strategies
» which outlines how heat can impact mental well-being.
As temperatures climb, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released, leaving individuals feeling restless, uneasy, or on edge. This reaction can worsen existing anxiety or spark new symptoms such as nervousness or tension.
Irritability and Agitation
The same stress response can fuel irritability and anger. Elevated cortisol and adrenaline levels can cause people to become more emotionally reactive, easily irritated, overwhelmed, or frustrated. These shifts may increase impatience and interpersonal conflicts, underscoring the link between heat and emotional regulation.
Mood Disturbances
Mood swings and emotional instability are also commonly reported during heatwaves. Another study, titled «
Impacts of Extreme Heat on Mental Health
», notes that simply «staying indoors to keep physically safe from the heat» can reduce social interaction and increase feelings of loneliness, which in turn can contribute to sadness and depressive moods.
Mood swings can also be blamed on sleep disruptions. Heat exposure can disrupt normal sleep patterns, which plays a key role in mental health. High nighttime temperatures can make it harder to fall asleep, lead to frequent awakenings, and cause poor-quality rest. These sleep disruptions may worsen mental health issues and contribute to fatigue, irritability, and emotional instability.
Summertime Sadness
While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is usually associated with winter, some individuals experience a similar form of depression in spring or summer. Though the exact cause of summer depression is not fully understood, Canada’s largest mental health hospital,
CAMH
, points to possible triggers such as heat, humidity, extended daylight, and disrupted routines.
Exacerbating Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions
Extreme heat can intensify symptoms for those with existing mental health conditions. Individuals living with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be particularly vulnerable during heatwaves, often experiencing more severe symptoms and requiring extra mental health support.
