![\"Side](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PRI_155083879-a575.jpg\")
\n\t\tMany people end up feeling trapped in the heat (Picture: Shutterstock \/ fizkes)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tMany people end up feeling trapped in the heat (Picture: Shutterstock \/ fizkes)<\/p>\n
The UK is facing the hottest ever June on record, as temperatures skyrocket towards 40C.<\/p>\n
And according to a senior meteorologist, the country is on course<\/a> to experience this kind of weather on the regular.\u00a0<\/p>\n This will likely fill many Brits with a sense of dread, as extreme weather poses not only physical challenges<\/a>, but mental ones too.<\/p>\n The emotional toll of a heatwave is a side effect most of us don\u2019t talk about enough, but something we should be shining a spotlight on.<\/p>\n \t\t People from all over the UK have flocked to Reddit<\/a> to share their feelings on the weather this week, with some saying it has left them \u2018really scared\u2019, \u2018extremely anxious\u2019, \u2018terrified\u2019, and feeling like a \u2018caged animal\u2019.<\/p>\n A few social media<\/a> users also claimed the heatwave had triggered \u2018panic attacks\u2019.<\/p>\n According to BACP registered counsellor L.J Jones<\/a>, this is all very common, and many of her patients have reported similar experiences.<\/p>\n She tells Metro: \u2018A heatwave can have a significant impact on mental health<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018Many people report feeling more anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally and physically exhausted during periods of intense heat.<\/p>\n \u2018For individuals who already live with anxiety<\/a> disorders, depression<\/a>, panic symptoms, health anxiety, or sensory sensitivities, hot weather can amplify existing difficulties.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s also common for people to describe feeling trapped or confined, particularly if they are unable to comfortably leave their home, exercise, socialise, or engage in the activities that usually help them manage their well-being.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t According to L.J, there are several reasons for this, but a big one is that the heat places additional stress on the body, increasing heart rate, disrupting sleep, causing dehydration, and activating many of the same bodily sensations we associate with anxiety.<\/p>\n And when we sleep poorly or feel physically uncomfortable for prolonged periods, our emotional resilience naturally decreases.<\/p>\n The weather can also make us feel quite out of control, as people worry about their health, the well-being of vulnerable relatives and pets, climate change<\/a>, or the possibility of the heat worsening.\u00a0<\/p>\n And it really doesn\u2019t help that the UK isn\u2019t properly equipped to cope with scorching temperatures, with a lack of air conditioning and access to pools.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018When people feel they have no effective way to escape the heat, it\u2019s understandable that they may begin to feel trapped in their own homes,\u2019 L.J explains. \u2018That sense of being unable to get comfortable, cool down or carry on with normal routines can have a significant impact on mood and emotional well-being. <\/p>\n \u2018The psychological strain isn\u2019t just about the temperature itself \u2013 it\u2019s also about feeling ill-equipped to manage it.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tHeatwave warning for people taking antidrepressants:\t\t\t<\/p>\n Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat\u00a0anxiety<\/a>,\u00a0depression<\/a>\u00a0and panic disorders, are generally considered safe and effective. But they come with a major side effect that\u2019s often overlooked: heat intolerance.\u00a0<\/p>\n These common medications can affect the body\u2019s ability to regulate temperature, putting people at higher risk of heat exhaustion, especially in sweltering environments like the London Underground.<\/p>\n \u2018Taking antidepressants doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t enjoy summer, but it does mean you need to be extra cautious during extreme heat,\u2019 Dr Asim Cheema, an internal Medicine and Cardiology specialist at\u00a0Your Doctors Online<\/a>, tells\u00a0Metro.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Some affect the hypothalamus (which controls temperature regulation), while others reduce sweating, making it harder for the body to cool down naturally.<\/p>\n \u2018This can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke during periods of high temperature.\u2019<\/p>\n Dr Cheema explains that this can occur when taking commonly prescribed SSRIs, like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, SNRIs, like Venlafaxine and Duloxetine, as well as tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Antipsychotics, beta blockers, diuretics and some antihistamines can also affect heat tolerance,\u2019 he adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n How to manage anxiety during a heatwave<\/p>\n L.J claims the key is to focus on what is within your control.<\/p>\n She urges people to take \u2018practical steps\u2019 such as staying hydrated, keeping living spaces as cool as possible, maintaining regular meals, and prioritising sleep, as these can make a \u2018noticeable difference\u2019 to emotional well-being.<\/p>\n She continues: \u2018People should also try to continue activities that support their mental health, even if they need to adapt them. For example, exercising early in the morning, connecting with friends indoors, or spending time in air-conditioned public spaces.<\/p>\n \u2018It is also worth noting that this time will pass and will even become better-equipped for the future.\u2019<\/p>\n Another top tip is to try to limit excessive doom-scrolling or repeated checking of weather updates. Instead, you should seek information from reliable sources at planned intervals.<\/p>\n \u2018Remember that irritability and stress during extreme weather are normal human responses,\u2019 she adds.<\/p>\n \u2018If anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins to interfere significantly with daily life, professional support should be sought. You can find qualified, registered therapists that specialise in anxiety via the BACP\u2019s Therapist Directory.\u2019<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_247794735-abcf.jpg\")
\n\t\tHeatwaves can increase feelings of anxiety and emotional overwhelm (Picture: Shutterstock \/ My Ocean Production)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782388517_701_SEI_302533649-a5bb.jpg\")
\n\t\tWe don\u2019t have the right infrastructure to cope with a heatwave (Picture: Toby Shepheard \/ AFP via Getty Images)
\nWhy does the heat have such an impact on us psychologically?<\/p>\n
\nMORE: What are politicians doing about this heat?<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Full list of UK schools closing today ahead of extreme temperatures<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: UK heatwave latest: British woman dies at campsite in France after temperatures in Europe hit 44\u00b0C<\/a><\/p>\n