How Weather Changes Influence Mood and Mental Health

Weather or climate change is not just an environmental condition; it has many ripple effects on human health, including mental health. The sheer frequency of extreme events, from hurricanes and floods to wildfires, coupled with rising global temperatures and unusual rainfalls, can serve as significant stressors on psychological well-being. Indeed, these environmental transformations have been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and distress, commonly referred to as eco-anxiety or climate anxiety.
In addition, older age and the mentally ill have been identified as a vulnerable population, as the medications they take can affect their physiological homeostasis, making them more exposed to the detrimental effects of extreme weather conditions.

Temperature and mood changes

Research indicates that temperature changes and emotions are interlinked and suggests that positive emotions peak around 20 °C but decrease as the temperature exceeds 30 °C, while negative emotions and fatigue increase. High temperatures above 32 °C are associated with more aggressive behaviours and lower mood. This suggests that temperature and emotional valence are inversely proportional, with mild temperature fostering positive emotions, while extreme hot or cold temperature correlates with negative emotions.
In addition, changes in weather directly impact neurobiological pathways. Lower levels of sunlight associated with extended periods of rain or overcast skies have been linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a kind of depression triggered by seasonal changes, especially in colder months. This happens due to the connection between serotonin, melatonin, and sunlight, which play a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and overall health. Sunlight exposure is directly linked to the production of serotonin. Exposure to sunlight on the skin stimulates the brain to secrete more serotonin, improving mood and promoting emotional stability. Lower levels of serotonin are linked with depression and mood disorders, particularly during darker months or in people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Conversely, prolonged exposure to heat waves may cause irritability, aggressive behaviour, and even an impaired cognitive system due to the body’s struggle to regulate itself under extreme heat. Some of the reasons that contribute to these effects include:
•    During heatwaves, increased sweating and blood flow strain the body as it tries to cool, leading to fatigue, irritability, and physical discomfort, which, in turn, affect mood and behaviour.
•    Heat stress affects hormonal response by raising stress hormones like cortisol, which may cause increased aggression and anxiety and make people susceptible to mood shifts.
•    High temperatures, particularly at night, can disrupt sleep quality and lead to insomnia. Sleep deprivation exacerbates irritation, shortens tempers, and impairs the capacity to think rationally or deal with stress.

Natural disasters and mental health

According to studies, continuous exposure to natural disasters experiences an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress reactions, and depressive disorders, especially among vulnerable populations with pre-existing mental health disorders. Individuals with PTSD have a variety of psychiatric symptoms like hopelessness, unwanted fear, apprehension, and helplessness. Chronic stress from the constant barrage of eco-disasters in the news further exacerbates such feelings, intensifying emotional instability.

Coping strategies for natural disasters

Coping strategies for natural disasters focus on emotional, cognitive, and social factors to enhance resilience and recovery.
•    The emotional domain mainly focuses on how we feel and think inside in tough situations. When people believe they have control over their lives, they learn to manage their emotions and focus on positive things like hope, courage, and staying optimistic. 
•    Cognitive coping skills enable an individual to cope well with stress after a disaster and enhance a person’s ability to increase sensitivity to the risks and grasp the long-term implications of the same events.
•    The psychomotor domain helps in decision-making capacity and management of stress in order to have the individual react appropriately under stress.
In addition, the individual affected by such disaster can enrol in stress-reducing programs. Generally, these programs will provide a wide range of coping techniques such as relaxation, mindfulness, and emotion regulation techniques to improve human beings’ ability to positively deal with their stress responses.
Furthermore, psychotherapy and community-based resilience-building interventions support the recovery of the sense of normalcy. Building emotional strength and adaptability helps them recover hope, cope better with emotions, and adjust to new circumstances after a disaster.

Conclusion 

Weather changes are natural phenomena which have a great impact on mental health. Variations in temperature and natural calamities can lead to emotional and cognitive challenges. By adopting healthy coping strategies, staying aware of personal triggers or seeking support during difficult times, individuals can better navigate the difficulties caused by these environmental shifts. As climate change intensifies these fluctuations, it becomes more important to recognise and address the mental health effects of our changing environment.