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
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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