Rising Temperatures Projected to Deepen Australia's Mental Health Crisis

New research reveals a nearly 50% increase in heat-related mental disorders by 2050, with young Australians and regional populations most at risk.

A University of Adelaide study projects the burden of mental and behavioral disorders linked to extreme heat will rise from 1.8% in the 2010s to 2.8% by the 2050s.
High temperatures have already caused an estimated annual loss of 8,459 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Australia between 2003 and 2018.
Young Australians aged 15 to 44 are particularly vulnerable, with extreme heat exacerbating existing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and suicidality.
Regional disparities show the Northern Territory faces the highest relative risk, while South Australia and Victoria bear the largest proportional mental health burden.
Researchers urge policymakers to implement targeted public health strategies, including heat-health action plans and community resilience programs, to address the escalating crisis.