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
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up