Heatwave Sparks Anxiety and Panic Across UK
The UK is experiencing its hottest June on record, with temperatures soaring towards 40°C. According to a senior meteorologist, such extreme heat is expected to become more frequent. While physical risks like heatstroke are widely discussed, the psychological toll remains underappreciated. On Reddit, users have described feeling 'really scared', 'extremely anxious', 'terrified', and like a 'caged animal', with some reporting panic attacks triggered by the heat.
Why Heat Affects Mental Health
BACP registered counsellor L.J Jones explains that heatwaves significantly impact mental health. 'Many people report feeling more anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally and physically exhausted during periods of intense heat,' she told Metro. For those with pre-existing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, or sensory sensitivities, hot weather amplifies difficulties. The heat places additional stress on the body, increasing heart rate, disrupting sleep, and causing dehydration—symptoms that mimic anxiety. Poor sleep and physical discomfort reduce emotional resilience over time.
A sense of loss of control also contributes, as people worry about health, vulnerable relatives, pets, climate change, or worsening heat. The UK's lack of air conditioning and limited access to pools exacerbates feelings of being trapped. 'When people feel they have no effective way to escape the heat, it’s understandable that they may begin to feel trapped in their own homes,' Jones says.
Antidepressants and Heat Intolerance
Dr Asim Cheema, an internal medicine and cardiology specialist at Your Doctors Online, warns that common antidepressants can impair heat tolerance. 'Taking antidepressants doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer, but it does mean you need to be extra cautious during extreme heat,' he told Metro. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine, SNRIs like venlafaxine and duloxetine, and tricyclics like amitriptyline can affect the hypothalamus, which regulates temperature, or reduce sweating. Antipsychotics, beta blockers, diuretics, and some antihistamines also increase heat sensitivity, raising the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke.
Coping Strategies for Heatwave Anxiety
Jones advises focusing on controllable factors: staying hydrated, keeping living spaces cool, maintaining regular meals, and prioritizing sleep. Adapting routines—exercising early, connecting with friends indoors, or visiting air-conditioned public spaces—can support mental health. She also recommends limiting doom-scrolling and checking weather updates only at planned intervals from reliable sources. 'Remember that irritability and stress during extreme weather are normal human responses,' she adds. If anxiety becomes persistent or overwhelming, professional support should be sought via the BACP’s Therapist Directory.
