We all know the importance of protecting yourself physically with most Australians knowing to “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” and to drink plenty of water. As the world appears to be heating up it is also important to think about your mental health in the heat. Find out more below.
How hot is it?
In 2024, the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology recorded a national mean maximum temperature of 1.48 °C above average, which makes it the second warmest year recorded since 1910. It is also the year that recorded its warmest national mean minimum temperature which was 1.43 °C above average. It is warmer than ever and research indicates that it has an impact on our mental health.
What is the impact of heat on our mental health?
A group of researchers conducted a review of all relevant literature on this topic between 1990 and 2020. They found that for every 1 °C rise in temperature, there was a 2.2% increase in mental health related mortality and a 0.9% increase in mental health related morbidity (Liu et al., 2021).
Another study that examined youths aged between 12 to 24 years old who presented at New South Wales emergency departments for suicidality indicated there was a 1.3% increase in these presentations for every 1 °C rise in average daily mean temperature (Dey et al., 2024).
Summary
Needless to say, this is an important reminder for all of us to look after ourselves as we enter warmer weather. At the Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne, our team of experienced psychologists are here to help you overcome your challenges and improve your wellbeing. Book an appointment at the Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne today by calling 03 9077 0122.
References
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (2024). Climate Summary Information for 2024. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/aus/
Dey, C., Wu, J., Uesi, J., Grant, S., Dudley, M., Knight, K, Scott, J.G., Jay, O., Bowden, M. and Perkes, I., (2024). Youth suicidality risk relative to ambient temperature and heatwaves across climate zones: A time series analysis of emergency department presentations in New South Wales, Australia.
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 59(1), https://doi:10.1177/00048674241290449
Liu, J., Varghese, B.M., Hansen, A., Xiang, J., Zhang, Y., Dear, K., Gourley, M., Driscoll, T., Morgan, G., Capon, A. and Peng, B., (2021). Is there an association between hot weather and poor mental health outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis, Environmental International,153, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106533
