The Impact of Weather Changes on Your Mental Well-being
Discover how shifts in weather and climate influence your emotional health, mood swings, and what strategies you can use to maintain mental balance.
CloseBarbara is an author and speaker dedicated to mental health, holistic wellness, and women's empowerment.
Numerous elements shape our mental well-being, with weather being a significant factor. Although weather itself is beyond our control, understanding its effects on our mood and mental state empowers us to better manage these influences.
Seasonal transitions often affect our emotions. For instance, summer is commonly linked to family holidays and beach outings, creating positive expectations. However, when reality doesn’t align with these hopes—due to adverse weather or financial constraints—stress can arise.
The emotional and behavioral impact of seasonal changes is multifaceted and complex.
To effectively prepare for these fluctuations, it’s essential to explore the scientific insights behind how weather impacts our mental health.
The Influence of Cold Weather on Mental Health
While cold weather is often associated with physical risks like frostbite, it surprisingly tends to have a beneficial effect on mental health.
A recent study titled “Temperature and mental health: Evidence from the spectrum of mental health outcomes” found that colder temperatures are linked to reduced mental health issues, whereas hotter conditions correlate with increased mental health emergencies and suicide rates.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), previously known as major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, affects many individuals annually, typically starting in the fall as daylight decreases. Symptoms intensify during winter and recur yearly.
It’s crucial to recognize that SAD stems from reduced sunlight and shorter days, not the cold itself.
According to The Cleveland Clinic, approximately 75% of SAD sufferers are women, with symptoms often emerging in young adulthood. SAD disrupts sleep patterns and lowers mood, with a milder form known as “the winter blues.”
Although feeling confined indoors or restricted in activities contributes to SAD, biological factors such as circadian rhythm disruption, excess melatonin, serotonin deficiency, and vitamin D shortage play significant roles.
Fortunately, effective treatments exist, including light therapy, vitamin D supplementation, lifestyle changes, and antidepressants.
Nordic Countries’ Approach to Managing SAD
Scandinavian nations, often ranked among the happiest globally, offer valuable insights into coping with SAD. Beyond medical treatments, Norwegians embrace winter by fostering a positive mindset and celebrating the season.
They use the dark months for relaxation and coziness while staying active outdoors, maintaining gratitude and contentment despite limited daylight.
Warm Weather’s Effects on Mental Health
Weather shapes our emotions, temperament, and outlook, even influencing personality traits. While moderate warmth is pleasant, extreme heat can trigger irritability and aggression.
Heat-Related Aggression and Violence
Family members prone to anger during hot days are experiencing a scientifically supported phenomenon.
Research published by The Association for Psychological Science reveals that excessive heat increases irritability and aggressive or violent behavior. Cities in warmer climates report higher violent crime rates, regardless of demographics.
A study analyzing Chicago shootings from 2012-2016 found a clear link between higher temperatures and increased shootings, especially on warm weekends and holidays. A 10-degree rise above average corresponded to a 33.8% surge in shootings.
The Psychological Impact of Extreme Weather Events
Daily weather conditions—rain, snow, or sunshine—affect us directly, but extreme events like tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes have profound impacts, both direct and indirect.
Climate Change Anxiety Among Vulnerable Groups
Scientists have identified indirect mental health effects from extreme weather and climate change, especially among children and individuals with existing psychiatric conditions exposed to climate-related news.
A 2018 study found Australian children deeply concerned about climate change, facing risks of PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, sleep disorders, attachment issues, and substance misuse due to indirect exposure.
Another pioneering global study surveyed 10,000 young people aged 16-25 from ten countries, revealing that 59% were very or extremely worried about climate change, with 84% moderately concerned. Over half reported feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, powerlessness, helplessness, and guilt.
Nearly half noted that these emotions adversely affected their daily functioning, and 75% viewed the future as frightening.
Strategies for Managing Weather and Climate-Related Mental Health Challenges
The term “eco-anxiety” has emerged to describe chronic fear of environmental disaster, particularly impacting vulnerable populations like youth.
It’s important to remember that communities often unite after environmental crises, demonstrating resilience and mutual support, as seen after wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes worldwide.
Additionally, growing global efforts aim to mitigate climate change, reducing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Practical Tips to Handle Weather-Induced Stress and Anxiety
To alleviate worry and fear related to weather and climate change, consider these approaches:
- Volunteer with local environmental organizations
- Engage with community or political groups focused on climate action
- Participate in climate cafes—safe spaces for discussing environmental concerns
- Connect with the Good Grief Network to channel anxiety into positive action
- Build informal support networks with like-minded individuals
- Maintain perspective on environmental challenges
- Practice positive thinking habits
- Explore nature therapy and forest bathing
- Incorporate mindfulness meditation into your routine
- Develop personal resilience skills
- Seek professional mental health support when needed
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Mullins JT, White C. Temperature and mental health: Evidence from the spectrum of mental health outcomes. J Health Econ. 2019;68:102240. doi:10.1016/j.jhealeco.2019.102240
Cleveland Clinic. Seasonal Depression.
The World Happiness Report. The Nordic Exceptionalism: What Explains Why the Nordic Countries Are Constantly Among the Happiest in the World.
The Association for Psychological Science. Global Warming and Violent Behavior.
Reeping PM, Hemenway D. The association between weather and the number of daily shootings in Chicago (2012-2016). Inj Epidemiol. 2020;7(1):31. Published 2020 Jun 22. doi:10.1186/s40621-020-00260-3
Burke SEL, Sanson AV, Van Hoorn J. The Psychological Effects of Climate Change on Children. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2018;20(5):35. Published 2018 Apr 11. doi:10.1007/s11920-018-0896-9
Hickman C, Marks E, Pihkala P, et al. Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. Lancet Planet Health. 2021;5(12):e863-e873. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00278-3
By Barbara Field
Barbara is an author and speaker committed to mental health, wellness, and women’s issues.
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