What Research Reveals About the Impact of Extreme Heat on Increased Suicide Rates

Anyone feel like “Hot Girl Summer” turned into “Sad Suicidal Summer” instead? Well, you’re likely not alone.

Believe it or not, rising extreme temperatures are linked to increased suicide rates. This evidence comes from the Psychiatric Times, which reports there is an increase of suicide rates of 0.7 percent in the U.S. and 2.1 percent in Mexico during 1 degree Celsius (33.8 degrees Fahrenheit) increased temperature changes over average monthly temperatures. They also estimate there will be 9,000 to 40,000 additional suicides by the year 2050, due to rising temperatures.

The reason why extreme heat impacts depression and suicidal tendencies is unclear, but some believe it has to do with changes in levels of serotonin. A group of Harvard researchers found that students who lived in air-conditioned dormitories had better overall functioning in their cognition, focus and memory. Working memory has been shown to be significantly altered in functioning due to heat as well.

Who is at risk? Well, those who already have a mental illness. While heat waves can generally make any person more irritable, those with a mental health condition such as psychosis or depression have more drastic symptoms. People with schizophrenia already have difficulty regulating their body temperatures.

What can be done? Minimizing the impacts of climate change along with increasing mental health support through local and federal policy, education and awareness can help mitigate the effects of rising suicide rates with rising temperatures.

If push comes to shove, find solace in the air conditioning! But let’s not try to make these rising suicide rates any worse by ignoring all that we can do, shall we?