Extreme weather events are taking a toll on our physical and emotional well-being

Irish Independent

19 hours ago

Dr Jillian Doyle, a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), said that on hot days we often feel more tired, irritable and less focused.
While many perceive sunshine may boost mood, that isn't always the case, Dr Doyle said.
'Heat can impact mood and increase reactivity, which can strain relationships or make work feel more challenging. Sleep can also be affected, which we know has a big knock-on effect on both physical and emotional well-being,' she said.
'Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable. Their bodies don't regulate temperature as well, and they're more at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or worsening of underlying conditions. Hot weather can also limit older adults' ability to get out and about, which can lead to isolation or lower mood.'
Dr Doyle said as global temperatures rise, 'we may see more climate-related stress, disruptions to routine and increased health risks', especially for those already more vulnerable.
'So while a hot day might just feel uncomfortable in the moment, it's part of a much bigger picture when it comes to health and well-being and is something that we need to reflect on and prepare for,' she said.
There are other reasons why the weather can impact our mood.
'Sunlight plays a key role in mood regulation. It boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps us feel more emotionally balanced, energised and generally well. So, when we're out in the sun, we often feel brighter in ourselves. On darker days, we get less of that serotonin boost, which, for some, can make them more vulnerable to low mood,' said Dr Doyle.
'Sunlight also impacts our melatonin levels. Melatonin is the hormone that helps prepare us for sleep — it increases in the dark. So, when we're exposed to sunlight, melatonin production is suppressed, and we feel more alert and awake.'
The Dublin-based psychologist said that when light levels are low, this can throw off our internal clock, leading to poor sleep and changes in how we feel emotionally.
She pointed out that some people are more sensitive to these changes than others and may experience Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a type of depression that tends to occur during the winter months, and is thought to be closely linked to changes in light levels.
'In good weather, we're more likely to get outdoors, move our bodies, and spend time with others — all things that support mental health. But when the weather is bad, we often stay indoors, end up more sedentary, and may spend longer on screens. This change in behaviour can have a knock-on effect on our mood,' Dr Doyle said.
'There's also a psychological piece, we often associate sunshine with holidays, freedom, or happy memories. When I hear the word sun, for example, my mind immediately goes to summer breaks or being by the sea. On the other hand, dark, gloomy weather doesn't usually carry the same positive associations and can feel more constraining or even lonely.'
Dr Malie Coyne, a clinical psychologist, told the Sunday Independent: 'Rain can act as a psychological stressor as it can limit our outside activities and connection which can make people feel more isolated and helpless especially people who are more vulnerable to mood shifts, such as people with SAD disorder.'
Both agree that weather affects our relationships as it can affect our energy, our ability to regulate our emotions, how we relate with others as people are in better form, and more tolerant, in better weather.