At the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in the Thames Valley, international medical researchers warned about the effects of high temperatures on mental health, prompting an increase in individuals seeking support services. I'm here.
According to a report published by the World Economic Forum, a recent study found that hospital emergency room visits increased on days when temperatures hit or exceeded the top 5% of the average. has been shown to increase by at least 10%. Temperature range for a particular region.
READ MORE: CMHA has seen a recent spike in people needing help with seasonal affective disorder.
Karna Trentman, Director of Community Programs and Peer Support at CMHA Thames Valley, said people with mental health problems had worse symptoms.
"Heat waves can affect physical and mental health," she said. "There is a link between temperature and suicide rates, which is very worrying."
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Referring to a study published by the World Economic Forum, she found that for every 1°C increase in average monthly temperature, mental health-related deaths increase by 2.2%.
She is "very worried," Trentman said. "People's depression and anxiety can increase with warmer temperatures, and temperatures that are difficult for the body and mind to manage affect all of us."
Furthermore, Trentman explained that high humidity and heat were "causal" in the increase in manic episodes in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The study repeated that statement. rice field.
"Additional problems are caused by the fact that the effects of heat can reduce the effectiveness of important drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders," the study found. , antipsychotics can suppress thirst and cause dehydration.”
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While the warnings have been subsided for the time being by the return of cooler temperatures, Trenton said CMHA's outreach programs include: London Her Coffee Her partnership with Her House continues to grow the number of people seeking help.
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"Currently, more than 200 people a day come to these programs for support, basic needs. I'm looking for food (like water), harm reduction," she said. "I think there has definitely been an increase in the number of people needing these services this summer." We are asking people to behave with patience and kindness despite the increased wait times at
READ MORE: London Health Science Center seeks compassion from health workers amid long waits
Whether or not Trenton fever contributed to worsening effects, increased amounts of stress, depression, and/or anxiety may cause additional challenges in the long term.
"Like a physical illness that hurts your leg and you keep walking on it, it gets worse if you don't pay attention," she said. "Her week of extreme heat makes people sick, exhausted, and having a hard time regaining their energy levels.
"The same goes for people with mental health problems. I feel like," she added. "All kinds of stress added to the other stresses people are experiencing can really push them to the point where they find it really difficult just to cope with their daily activities.
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"We need to come together as a community, support each other, and support ourselves."
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, help is available. The following resources are also available to assist those in crisis:
- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 (Available to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada in need of urgent crisis intervention)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Embrace Life Council Hotline: 1-800-265-3333
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
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