Heatwaves Trigger Anxiety and Irritability, Experts Warn

Health professionals across Europe say extreme heat is worsening mental well‑being. In the Canary Islands, psychologist Nayara Ortega explains that prolonged high temperatures force the hypothalamus to work harder, reducing attention, increasing irritability and making emotional regulation harder. Hospital data show rises in emergency visits for anxiety, depression, substance misuse and self‑harm during heat spikes.

In Spain, psychiatrist Víctor Navalón of Hospital Vithas Valencia warns that heat overload can cause fatigue, insomnia and heightened stress, especially for people already dealing with anxiety or depression. He adds that forest‑fire smoke and evacuations amplify fear and distress. The Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SEPSM) notes the same pattern.

Greek meteorologist Dimitris Ziakopoulos highlights the concept of “solastalgia” – ecological grief caused by climate‑driven environmental change – and links it to broader climate anxiety. A Bath University study found about 4.6 % of the UK population experiences climate‑related anxiety, with women, young people and parents most affected. Across the UK, Spain and Greece, experts call for greater awareness of heat‑related mental‑health risks and better support services.