Heatwave Anxiety Is Rising: How Extreme Heat Is Affecting Mental Health

As temperatures continue to soar across many parts of the world, health experts are warning that the impact of heatwaves extends far beyond physical health. Increasingly, people are experiencing intense anxiety, fear and emotional distress linked to extreme weather events a growing condition known as climate anxiety.

For many, prolonged periods of extreme heat are triggering feelings of helplessness, particularly among parents worried about protecting their families from rising temperatures. Mental health specialists say these concerns are becoming more common as heatwaves grow more frequent and severe.

When Heat Becomes More Than Physical Discomfort

For 36-year-old mother Tavia Watts, every heatwave brings overwhelming anxiety.

During one of England’s hottest Junes on record, she found herself constantly worrying about the temperature inside her children’s bedroom, which exceeded 30°C on several occasions.

Instead of enjoying evenings with her family, she often left bedtime routines in tears, fearing the intense heat could harm her two young children.

Feeling overwhelmed, Watts shared her experience on social media. Her emotional video resonated with thousands of people, attracting more than 18,000 likes and over 1,700 shares, highlighting how widespread climate-related anxiety has become.

“I feel like the world is literally ending,” she said in the video, describing her fears about the future her children may face.

What Is Climate Anxiety?

Climate anxiety refers to ongoing worry, fear or emotional distress about climate change and its consequences.

Although it is not classified as a mental illness on its own, psychologists recognise it as a genuine emotional response to environmental threats.

Research from the University of Bath estimates that approximately 4.6% of people in the United Kingdom experience significant climate anxiety.

Studies also suggest that young people and women are among the groups most likely to experience these feelings.

Why Heatwaves Trigger Anxiety

According to psychologists, repeated exposure to extreme weather can lead to what is known as anticipatory anxiety.

Rather than worrying only during a heatwave, people begin fearing the next one long before it arrives.

Dr Caroline Hickman, a climate psychologist at the University of Bath, explains that repeated heatwaves can leave people feeling unsafe.

“When people experience extreme weather repeatedly, they begin to believe the world is no longer predictable or secure,” she says.

This constant expectation of future disasters can create ongoing stress, even during cooler months.

Parents Are Feeling the Pressure

For many parents, climate anxiety is closely tied to concerns about their children’s future.

New mother Lizzie Ellen, from west London, says she constantly monitors weather forecasts and indoor temperatures to ensure her baby remains safe during periods of extreme heat.

She admits she has become “obsessive” about checking weather updates.

Beyond immediate concerns, she worries about the future.

“The heat we experienced this year could become normal during my child’s lifetime,” she says.

That uncertainty has left her feeling isolated and anxious about what lies ahead.

Climate Anxiety Can Change Lives

For some people, concern over rising temperatures has already influenced major life decisions.

Ecologist Dr Francis Windram chose to move from southern England to the cooler north-west because of increasing heat.

Even after relocating, he purchased a portable air conditioner as a precaution.

He also worries about elderly relatives who remain in hotter parts of the country.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves because many homes were never designed to cope with prolonged high temperatures.

Turning Anxiety Into Positive Action

Psychologists emphasise that although climate anxiety is understandable, there are healthy ways to manage it.

Rather than becoming overwhelmed, experts encourage people to channel their concerns into practical action.

Tavia Watts says taking small but meaningful steps has helped her cope.

She participates in community climate projects, signs environmental petitions, organises children’s clothing swaps and has adopted a vegetarian diet.

She believes these actions help her feel she is contributing to positive change rather than remaining powerless.

Practical Ways to Manage Heatwave Anxiety

Mental health experts recommend several strategies for coping with climate-related stress.

Talk About Your Feelings

Many people mistakenly believe they are alone in worrying about climate change.

Speaking with friends, family members or mental health professionals can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support.

Participating in local environmental projects can transform anxiety into constructive action.

Activities such as tree planting, community gardens, recycling initiatives or renewable energy projects help people feel more connected and hopeful.

Being surrounded by others who share similar concerns can also improve emotional wellbeing.

Focus on What You Can Control

Experts advise concentrating on practical actions within your control rather than worrying about every aspect of climate change.

Simple lifestyle changes—such as reducing waste, conserving energy or supporting environmental initiatives—can provide a sense of purpose.

Stay Physically Cool

Heat itself can worsen anxiety by placing additional stress on the body.

To reduce both physical discomfort and emotional distress, experts recommend:

• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Taking cool showers or baths.
• Using fans or air conditioning where available.
• Applying cool, damp cloths to the neck or wrists.
• Avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours.
• Keeping living spaces shaded and well ventilated.

Looking after your physical comfort can significantly improve your mental wellbeing during periods of extreme heat.

Climate Change and Mental Health

Health professionals increasingly recognise climate change as both an environmental and public health issue.

While much attention has focused on heatstroke, dehydration and respiratory illnesses, experts say mental health deserves equal attention.

Repeated exposure to heatwaves, floods and other extreme weather events can create lasting psychological effects, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, parents, older adults and those with existing mental health conditions.

As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in many regions, experts believe more people will experience climate-related anxiety.

While these feelings are understandable, psychologists stress that individuals are not powerless. Staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, seeking support, caring for physical health and taking meaningful environmental action can all help reduce anxiety and build resilience.

Recognising climate anxiety as a real and manageable emotional response is an important step towards protecting both mental wellbeing and public health in an increasingly warming world.

Source: BBC

Also read: Dopamine Explained: Why the Brain’s “Pleasure Chemical” Is Often Misunderstood