Rainy, snowy or sunny, everyday weather can affect people’s personalities by influencing their temperaments and outlook. Moreover, frequent weather changes can result in a much higher level of psychological distress. While hot weather can cause people to be aggressive, more anxious and paranoid, low temperatures can make people feel depressed. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the effects that weather can have on your mental health. 

1. Changed Weather Results In A High Or Low Mood

Low moods refer to less energetic moods while high moods are often driven by excessive energy. It has been noticed that temperatures lower than 10°C or higher than 21°C can result in a low mood. It can also be experienced during high humidity, precipitation and fog. While temperatures between 10°C and 21°C result in a high mood. The factors affecting high mood include high atmospheric pressure, sunlight and clear skies. Research says if you are in a good mood, the weather shall not have much effect on you but if you are in a bad mood then extreme temperatures can worsen it.

2. Hot Weather Makes You More Anxious

According to research, hot weather tends to make us more anxious and irritable. High temperatures make it difficult for the body to dissipate heat, increasing the levels of stress and anxiety, along with hampered breathing. One study shows that people who have panic disorders tend to experience the maximum number of problems during a heat wave. 

3. Winter SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression that is related to a variation in seasons. It usually begins in late fall or early winter and ends during early spring or summer. People with a history of depression or bipolar disorders are vulnerable to winter SAD. It is important not to brush off this feeling simply as a case of “winter blues” or a seasonal change. SAD is an actual episode of depression and its symptoms include social withdrawal, oversleeping and an increased appetite. Winter SAD is a much more common phenomenon in the northern latitudes where the day are much shorter and the temperatures are colder.

4. Summer SAD

While winter SAD is much of a common occurrence in the world, some people also go through summer SAD. People tend to experience these depressive episodes during the spring and summer months. The symptoms of summer SAD include disturbed sleep or insomnia, poor appetite and anxiety. People suffering from bipolar disorders may experience manic or hypomanic episodes that are triggered by hot temperatures. People who are hyperactive and give less time to their bodies to rest often experience summer SAD. Some more severe symptoms of summer SAD include delusions of grandeur, paranoid behaviour and psychotic conditions.

5. Severe Weather Causes Complications

Extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, massive snowfall, or floods can cause mental trauma to many people, especially those who get stuck in such situations. These can trigger the release of stress hormones such as cortisol in the body. These situations have also been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. 

Usually, the weather has a subtle impact on your mood and energy. However, significant changes can lead to several mental disorders such as winter and summer SAD. If you experience a sudden shift in your mood with the change of surrounding temperature, take help from a therapist.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.