ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Hot and bothered
Hot and bothered
Hot and bothered
Saturday 9th December 2023
Uncover the hidden effects of heatwaves on mental health and behavior in this episode of 'All In The Mind'. Learn from top experts and find hope in solutions.
29 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Empowering
Concerning
Engaging
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ABC Radio
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Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Heatwaves and Mental Health: Unseen Dangers of Rising Temperatures
Episode Overview
- Extreme heat affects mental health, emotions, and behavior
- Healthcare professionals face challenges dealing with physical and mental health conditions during heatwaves
- Rising temperatures exacerbate existing mental health conditions and influence suicide rates
- Heatwaves have a significant impact on violence, aggressive behavior, and interpersonal conflicts
- Rapid global warming poses a threat to future intergroup conflicts and migration, potentially leading to a more violent world
I wish this episode wasn't so full of bad news, but this is the reality of where we're at with climate change. And I wish it wasn't so. - Sana Khadar
Ever noticed how a scorching hot day can make you feel more irritable or stressed? This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives deep into the often-overlooked connection between extreme heat and mental health. Host Lynne Malcolm brings together experts to discuss how soaring temperatures affect our emotions, behavior, and overall mental well-being. Dr. Claire Skinner, President of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, shares her firsthand experiences dealing with the surge in mental health crises during heatwaves.
From increased irritability to severe mental health episodes, the emergency department becomes a hotbed of challenges. Dr. Lawrence Wainwright from the Oxford Precision Psychiatry Laboratory explains how extreme heat can worsen conditions like bipolar disorder and depression, turning up the heat on existing struggles. The episode also sheds light on the alarming link between heatwaves and rising suicide rates, as well as how hotter days can lead to more aggressive behavior and violence.
Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Craig Anderson, delves into the direct and indirect ways heat impacts our behavior, from making us more irritable to increasing perceived hostility. But it's not all doom and gloom. The discussion wraps up with a hopeful note on the importance of tackling climate change and improving our health and social care systems to better handle the impacts of extreme weather.
If you're curious about how the weather affects your mind or want to understand the broader implications of global warming on mental health, this episode is a must-listen.