Elevated temperatures may contribute to anxiety and related mental health challenges, according to recent research from Oxford University. Experts note that the physiological responses to heat stress—such as increased heart rate, perspiration, and breathing difficulties—can closely resemble anxiety symptoms, potentially triggering or exacerbating existing anxiety conditions.
Lauren Murphy, a 34-year-old from Southampton, manages both anxiety and agoraphobia, a disorder characterized by intense fear of feeling trapped. She has experienced anxiety for approximately a decade, with symptoms worsening following her transition to parenthood and a diagnosis of ADHD. Murphy reports that during hot weather, physical sensations including rapid heartbeat, chest heaviness, and difficulty concentrating create a reinforcing cycle that intensifies her anxiety. She first noticed this connection during a holiday abroad several years ago when high temperatures triggered breathing difficulties and panic sensations that subsequently returned during similar UK weather conditions.
Climate-related anxiety is recognized as a legitimate form of mental distress by professional health organizations and the NHS. A 2022 study from the University of Bath estimated that approximately 4.6% of people in the UK experience climate anxiety. Research from 2025 indicates that young people and women are among the groups at highest risk for this condition. Professor Ciara MaCabe from the University of Reading, who specializes in mental health, explains that heat stress and anxiety produce overlapping physiological responses, meaning heat can directly generate anxiety-like sensations while simultaneously triggering anxiety itself.
Murphy has identified several coping strategies that help manage her symptoms during high temperatures, including journaling, tapping techniques, breathing exercises, yoga, and spending time in nature. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and encourages others experiencing anxiety to acknowledge their ability to cope despite their fears.
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