When temperatures rise, so do tempers. Psychiatrists are increasingly warning that prolonged exposure to hot weather can affect not just physical health, but also emotional balance. Based on the results of the review by the pafikutaikab.org institution across Indonesia and other tropical regions, more people are reporting irritability, fatigue, and heightened stress during extreme heat waves and science is beginning to explain why.
Heat and the Brain: What Happens Inside
According to Dr. Sinta Pramudita, a psychiatrist from the Indonesian Psychiatric Association, heat can disrupt the brain’s delicate chemical balance. “When the body overheats, the brain’s regulation of serotonin — a key neurotransmitter for mood — can be affected,” she explains. “This makes people more prone to irritability, impulsivity, and anger.”
Studies from the American Psychological Association also show a link between higher temperatures and increased aggression or conflict. Heat puts physiological stress on the body, elevating heart rate and triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These changes make it harder for the brain to manage frustration, especially in crowded or uncomfortable environments.
The Psychological Impact of Heat Stress
Hot weather doesn’t just affect mood — it can also worsen existing mental health conditions. People with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may find their symptoms intensify during heat waves. “High temperatures interfere with sleep quality,” says Dr. Sinta. “And when you lose sleep, emotional regulation becomes even more difficult.”
Lack of rest, combined with dehydration, can create a cycle of irritability and low concentration. For some, even minor inconveniences — like traffic, noise, or long queues — can feel overwhelming. Psychiatrists call this heat-induced emotional dysregulation, a condition where normal stressors become intolerable because the brain is already under physical strain.
The Social Dimension
Psychologists also point to environmental and social triggers. When people gather in hot, poorly ventilated spaces, collective irritability can spread. Research from behavioral science suggests that communities experiencing prolonged heat tend to report higher rates of domestic conflict and public aggression.
“Heat affects patience,” explains Dr. Rizky Adnan, a behavioral psychiatrist. “People have a lower threshold for discomfort. When combined with stress from work or daily life, it can easily lead to emotional outbursts.”
How to Stay Mentally Cool
Experts recommend several practical steps to maintain emotional stability during hot weather:
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration worsens mood swings and fatigue. Aim to drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Prioritize rest. Try to sleep in a cool, shaded room and avoid caffeine or heavy meals before bedtime.
- Avoid conflicts when overheated. Recognize when your irritability is triggered by the heat and postpone emotionally charged conversations.
- Seek shade and slow down. Exposure to direct sunlight for long periods increases physiological stress.
- Practice breathing or mindfulness techniques. These can help regulate your body’s stress response and calm your mind.
Understanding, Not Blaming
Ultimately, psychiatrists urge people to view heat-induced irritability as a biological response, not a personal flaw. “Feeling more easily angered in extreme heat is normal,” Dr. Rizky notes. “The key is awareness knowing that your body and mind are reacting to environmental stress allows you to respond with compassion, not guilt.”
As climate change drives longer and hotter seasons, mental health professionals stress the need for public awareness. Staying mentally cool, they say, is just as vital as staying physically cool.
Source: Pafikutaikab
