One of the critical reasons for the current extreme weather, particularly heatwaves, is climate change, a global crisis that affects both physical and mental health. In countries like Nigeria, the worsening climate poses significant risks, not just through increasing temperatures, storms, droughts, and floods but also through its psychological toll. The rising temperatures contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, aggression, and even cognitive impairment.

Scientific studies have shown that extreme heat impacts sleep, leading to physical issues such as muscle cramps, headaches, and dehydration. The heat can exacerbate existing mental health issues like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and stress-related conditions. It can also heighten aggression, leading to more incidents of domestic violence, suicides, and behavioral disorders. Increased hospital visits for mental health crises during heatwaves reflect this. Research has consistently linked extreme weather to a rise in mental health-related emergencies.

One study conducted in the U.S. demonstrated a significant increase in emergency department visits during periods of extreme heat, with conditions like drug and alcohol addictions, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicide attempts spiking during these times. Similar studies have noted the particular vulnerability of the elderly, who are at increased risk of cognitive impairments such as dementia, and young children who face greater dehydration risks due to their inability to regulate body fluids effectively.

In developing countries, where access to healthcare is already strained, the effects of climate change are likely to be more pronounced. High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, a condition that affects brain function and leads to poor concentration, confusion, and in severe cases, delirium. Dehydration symptoms—such as thirst, dizziness, muscle cramps, and dry mouth—are common during heatwaves, especially in vulnerable populations like babies, children, and the elderly.

Prolonged exposure to heat without adequate hydration can also exacerbate chronic conditions like diabetes and cause further complications. The consequences of dehydration and extreme heat conditions are not limited to immediate physical health concerns but extend to long-term mental health challenges, which will require the healthcare system to be better prepared to handle these emergencies.

In summary, climate change, through extreme heatwaves, is increasingly affecting both physical and mental health. This is particularly concerning in developing countries like Nigeria, where access to healthcare is already limited. There is a critical need for mental health care systems to prepare for increased demand during heatwaves, address dehydration risks, and provide support for the vulnerable populations most affected by these rising temperatures.