Mental health symptoms rise in heatwaves - researcher

More people go to hospital with mental health symptoms during periods of extreme heat, according to an Oxford University researcher.

Dr Emma Lawrance said hospital admissions linked to poor mental health had increased by about 10% during heatwaves, compared with non-heatwave periods.

She said higher temperatures could affect mental wellbeing directly and may be particularly difficult for people living with existing mental health conditions.

A fourth heatwave of the year is affecting parts of the UK, with temperatures forecast to climb above 30C in some areas.

Lawrance, a senior research fellow in climate change and mental health, said higher temperatures could have a direct effect on the body and brain.

She said some people also felt concern about what repeated periods of extreme weather could mean for themselves, their families and the future.

Lawrance said research had shown a rise in suicide risk on hotter days and that people living with mental health conditions could be among those most affected by extreme temperatures.

Disrupted sleep, changes to daily routines, reduced opportunities for exercise and socialising, and the physiological effects of overheating could all play a role, she said.

Hot weather could also intensify worries about climate change and its consequences, a feeling sometimes referred to as climate anxiety or eco-anxiety.

Lawrance said high overnight temperatures could be particularly challenging because they reduced the body's chance to recover from the heat of the day.

"It's really important that people know to take care of themselves and their family," she said.

She advised people to stay hydrated, find ways to cool their body temperature and check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.

She also encouraged people to talk openly about their concerns.

"More people care or feel like this than you think," she said. "Be very kind to yourself."

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