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
Public servants deserve better than union infighting

‘The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds’.- Abraham LincolnUntil then, the Council’s operations remain suspended, delaying critical decisions affecting thousands of public sector employees.The current standoff is between the Manual Workers Union on one side and the Six Cooperating Trade Unions, namely BONU, BOPEU, BTU, BDU, BOSETU and...

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