1000063158

Extreme heat disrupts the nervous system by triggering the sympathetic nervous system and HPA axis, elevating cortisol and adrenaline levels which induce anxiety, irritability, and aggression. High temperatures impair the prefrontal cortex and parasympathetic nervous system, reducing emotional regulation, cognitive function, and the ability to calm stress responses. Heat actively worsens anxiety and depression by triggering symptom escalation including mood instability, increased anxiety, and psychotic episodes. Beyond physical discomfort, high temperatures create a cascade of neurochemical changes that destabilize mental health.