(ANN/KOREA HERALD) – Research reveals that the ongoing heatwave in South Korea is not only leading to heat-related illnesses but also increasing the risk of mental health issues, including depression. The findings, published Wednesday, highlight a concerning trend amid the prolonged summer conditions.
The study, conducted by the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul National University, and Pusan National University, examined data from 219,187 respondents of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Community Health Survey. The results show that for every 1°C rise in average annual temperatures, the likelihood of respondents experiencing depressive symptoms increased by 13 per cent.
South Korea is currently facing record-breaking temperatures, with the nationwide average reaching 31°C between September 1-14, the highest in 52 years. This is 1.5°C higher than the previous record set in 1998. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that heatwave warnings were in effect across most regions, with daytime temperatures expected to range between 33°C and 35°C. Tropical nights, when temperatures remain above 25°C, were also recorded in cities like Seoul, Incheon, and Daejeon.
This recent study builds on earlier research from Seoul National University in 2018, which found that high temperatures could lead to increased hospitalisations due to mental health issues. The 2018 research indicated that 14.6 per cent of patients hospitalized for mental health conditions were affected by heatwaves, with the elderly being particularly vulnerable. Anxiety was the most common mental disorder during heatwaves, followed by dementia, schizophrenia, and depression.
“Exposure to higher temperatures, especially those beyond our normal tolerance levels, can lead to depression due to discomfort, sleep disturbances, and disruptions to daily life,” explained Professor Bae Sang-hyuk of the Catholic University of Korea’s Department of Preventive Medicine.
In response to these findings, the National Center for Mental Health, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, announced plans to develop tools to assess the mental health impacts of climate change. This initiative will run until October 2025, aiming to create indicators and policies that address the psychiatric effects of rising temperatures.
The study underscores the importance of addressing not just the physical but also the psychological impacts of climate change as the nation continues to grapple with extreme weather conditions.
