Mmegi

How heatwaves are making you angrier, irritable and depressed

Anguish: The short and long term effects of prolonged heatwaves on mental health revolve around raised anxiety and other disturbances PIC: THERAPYFORBLACKMEN.ORG
Anguish: The short and long term effects of prolonged heatwaves on mental health revolve around raised anxiety and other disturbances PIC: THERAPYFORBLACKMEN.ORG

A local clinical psychologist says the persistent heatwaves since October are making people more irritable, depressive and forgetful while also disrupting sleep, amidst numerous other effects on mental health. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports

The country is experiencing one of the most prolonged periods of above average temperatures this summer. Besides the obvious effects of rolling heatwaves on livelihoods, these conditions also put significant challenges on mental health.

This week, Mmegi spoke to Dr PJ van der Walt, a doctor (PhD) in Clinical Psychology. Van der Walt runs a clinic in Block 10, Gaborone.

Editor's Comment
Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

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