The heat waves are rising all over the world and causing a lot of damage. While there are issues of dehydration and heat strokes, studies are suggesting that it might also be responsible for declining mental health, the heat among other things is not only affecting the physicality of human beings but is also having adverse mental health.

Emotional distress: The heat can trigger mood swings, making you feel irritable, anxious, depressed, or even aggressive. You may not be able to predict your reaction, you may be good one moment and then any minor inconvenience will make you angry or sad. Heat often triggers that helplessness in people.

Scattered Focus: Concentrating on tasks becomes a struggle when it's hot. Simple things feel overwhelming, and staying focused is a challenge. While you may be in the zone working on completing something, the heat and sweating will disrupt your flow and then you will not be able to focus on anything other than the heat.

Sleepless Nights: High temperatures, especially at night, disrupt your sleep. This lack of rest can leave you feeling tired, and grumpy, and worsen existing mental health issues. All humans require a comfortable temperature to sleep in, if your body is too wound up or heated up, it will not be able to relax and sleep.

Feeling the Pressure: The heat can pile on stress and make you feel overwhelmed. Concerns about the heat itself or its impact on other aspects of your life can contribute to this feeling. You will feel overwhelmed and unable to work on anything else. The heat makes you feel a certain helplessness, as you cannot stop the sun or turn down the heat.

Body Blues: The heat can cause physical symptoms that affect your mental well-being. Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea can all contribute to anxiety and low mood. When your body is already fatigued, the urge to do anything else disappears. Your body is drained of energy to function at all and will seek rest and sleep.

Behavioural Shifts: The heat can influence your behaviour. You might act impulsively or have difficulty managing anger. It's like the heat turns up your emotional thermostat. When your body and brain are overheating, it is difficult to think straight and you will grasp at straws to release this energy and pressure off of you.

Some other side effects of the heat are.

• Mental Health Flare-Ups: If you already have a mental health condition, hot weather can worsen your symptoms. Existing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia might feel more intense.
• Heat and Suicide Risk: Studies show a disturbing link between hot weather and increased suicide rates, particularly among men and older adults. Hot weather can be a tipping point for those already struggling.
• Heatwave Hospitalizations: When temperatures soar, people with existing mental health issues may require increased hospitalization. This highlights the need for healthcare systems to be prepared for heat waves.
• Climate Change and Mental Health: Climate change is leading to more frequent heatwaves. Research suggests this could lead to a rise in mental health problems and suicides. Taking action against climate change is crucial for protecting mental well-being.

Young and older people are reporting persistent coughs and throat irritation following Diwali celebrations, with rising pollution levels, smog and exposure to firecracker emissions likely contributing to these symptoms.

However, when these symptoms persist or worsen, they could sometimes signal a more serious respiratory infection, including pneumonia, experts warned on World Pneumonia Day, observed every year on November 12.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Neelam H. Jain, Internal Medicine Specialist and Medical Educator at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, said doctors' clinics tend to get swamped every November with patients who blame their lingering coughs entirely on post-Diwali smog.

"While particulate matter and fireworks residue certainly irritate airways, a cough that persists or worsens demands a closer look. Sometimes, what feels like seasonal irritation masks something more serious: pneumonia," she said.

The deterioration in air quality after Diwali can particularly affect children, older adults and people with pre-existing lung conditions.

"Exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), along with toxic gases from firecrackers and vehicular emissions, can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger inflammation and worsen existing respiratory illnesses," Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.

Also read: Delhi Pollution: Is Your Child's Cough Or Wheezing A Warning Sign? When Should Parents Worry?

What Are The Warning Signs Of Pneumonia?

Not every persistent cough indicates pneumonia. Exposure to firecracker emissions and poor air quality can cause airway irritation and inflammation. However, certain symptoms warrant medical attention.

Dr. Jain said a cough that changes from dry to producing thick, green or rust-coloured phlegm, particularly when accompanied by persistent fever, chills and sharp chest pain while breathing deeply, requires further evaluation.

"Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, filling them with fluid or pus," she said.

Other symptoms that may indicate pneumonia include shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. Older adults, children and people with underlying conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly vulnerable to respiratory complications.

"If your post-Diwali cough lasts longer than two weeks, is accompanied by shortness of breath, or leaves you unusually fatigued, do not write it off as just bad air. Listen to your body and consult a doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis makes all the difference," Dr. Jain added.

People experiencing breathlessness, chest pain or high fever should seek medical attention without waiting for two weeks.

Can Air Pollution Increase The Risk Of Pneumonia?

Persistent cough, throat irritation, wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness are common symptoms of pollution-induced respiratory irritation.

Dr. Mittal explained that air pollution does not directly cause pneumonia. However, it can impair the lungs' natural defence mechanisms, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

It can also aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD, potentially increasing the risk of complications.

Read More: Dry Cough, Breathlessness May Not Always Be Asthma — Could It Be ILD?

How To Protect Your Lungs During High Pollution Levels

Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 319 on November 12, placing it in the 'very poor' category. As of 6:30 am, 36 of the city's 58 air quality monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 300.

Dr. Mittal advised people to minimise outdoor exposure during periods of poor air quality and use well-fitted N95 masks when stepping outside.

Other precautions include:

• Keep indoor spaces adequately ventilated.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.
• Stay adequately hydrated.
• Seek timely medical advice if respiratory symptoms persist or worsen.

What Is Pneumonia And How Can You Prevent It?

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infection causes the air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.

It can range from mild to life-threatening, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Some forms can also spread through respiratory droplets.

Measures to reduce the risk of pneumonia include:

• Vaccination: Get vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal infections and COVID-19, as recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get adequate rest.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage the lungs' natural defences against infections.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently opened up about her cancer recovery. In an interview, the Princess, widely known as Kate Middleton, spoke about how nature helped her navigate the physical and emotional challenges of her illness. She said that spending time outdoors became an integral part of her cancer recovery.

Her experience adds to the growing research into how exposure to natural environments may help the well-being of people battling cancer.

Kate Middleton's Cancer Recovery

Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and said she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy. She completed treatment in September 2024 and announced in January 2025 that she was in remission. She did not publicly disclose the type of cancer she was diagnosed with.

Speaking to nature writer Robert Macfarlane for Country Life magazine, Kate recalled the advice she received during her treatment and recovery. “I was told in hospital that my recovery would not be linear. There will be good and bad days, that it will take time,” she said.

She compared the recovery process to the natural cycles of rest and renewal, adding, “This is the same in nature. It shows us that periods of rest, reflection and renewal are equally as important as moments of growth.”

The Princess said spending time outdoors had helped her reconnect with herself during a difficult period.

“What I feel really passionate about, having had first-hand experience, is approaching illness and recovery through a whole-person approach. Yes, serious illness creates a lot of physical challenges, but there is also a deeper part to all of us,” she said.

“Nature has allowed me to find a deeper connection to my mind, body and spirit,” she added.

Also read: 'Miracle' Breast Cancer Pill That 'Slows Progression Of Disease' To Be Rolled Out On NHS

Can Spending Time In Nature Help Cancer Patients?

Research suggests that spending time in nature may support psychological well-being among people undergoing cancer treatment.

A 2023 scoping review published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined 12 studies involving 2,786 cancer survivors. The studies were based on different forms of nature exposure, including walking outdoors, forest therapy, gardening and even experiencing natural environments through virtual reality.

Researchers reported improvements in several areas, including anxiety, depression, sleep, stress, fatigue and pain. Participants also described nature as an important source of comfort while battling cancer.

Another review published in Seminars in Radiation Oncology in July 2026 examined interventions related to nature for adults diagnosed with cancer. It identified benefits like reduced psychological distress, improved mood, sleep, quality of life and social connection.

The review studied interventions like gardening, forest therapy, physical activity in nature, therapeutic landscapes and nature prescriptions.

Also read: Christina Applegate Suspects Breast Implants May Have Caused MS-Like Symptoms: What Is the Condition?

A cancer diagnosis affects physical as well as mental health. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, uncertainty about the future and emotional exhaustion during treatment and recovery. Spending time in nature can help in several ways:

1. Alleviation Of Stress And Anxiety

Natural environments can give a break from medical appointments, treatment schedules and daily responsibilities. Research suggests that exposure to green spaces may help reduce psychological distress and improve mood.

2. Gentle Physical Activity

Walking in a garden, park or other outdoor space can provide an opportunity for movement. Physical activity, when appropriate to a patient's treatment stage, can help improve physical functioning and reduce fatigue related to treatment.

3. Social Connection

Gardening groups, nature walks and outdoor activities can help patients reconnect with family members, friends and other people. Social support can be valuable during periods of emotional difficulty.

4. Sleep And Relaxation

Outdoor time can encourage relaxation and help establish regular daily routines. Exposure to natural daylight also helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, which helps sleep-wake pattern.

While research suggests that nature-based activities may support mental health and aspects of quality of life, there is no formidable evidence that spending time outdoors can eliminate cancer risk entirely, shrink tumours or prevent recurrence.

These activities should be viewed as supplementary forms of support, not alternatives to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or other prescribed cancer treatments.

It is also important to know that patients may not be able to spend time outdoors during treatment. Fatigue, reduced immunity, mobility limitations, treatment side effects and environmental conditions can affect what is safe and comfortable.

Patients should discuss appropriate physical activity and outdoor exposure with their doctors, especially if they are immunocompromised or recovering from surgery.

Actress Jenny McCarthy has opened up about the lasting effects of her battle with mold poisoning, revealing that the experience has left her with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and a fear of being exposed to mold again.

During a recent episode of her podcast, The Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg Show, the actress spoke about the physical and emotional toll of the illness, the extensive measures she has taken to avoid further exposure and her ongoing recovery.

McCarthy said she had to discard most of her belongings after the suspected exposure, including her clothes and furniture.

"I wound up throwing everything away," she said, adding that she and her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, also left their furniture behind when they moved out of their Los Angeles home.

Although she believes the exposure may have originated in her makeup room, she said she did not want to take any chances.

Jenny McCarthy Says Mold Poisoning Left Her With PTSD

Also read: One In Three Hospital Patients With Serious Mould Infections Died, CDC Study Finds

McCarthy said the experience made her fearful of encountering mold wherever she went. She described having histamine reactions in different places and struggling with everyday activities, including travelling in Ubers, visiting restaurants and boarding airplanes.

The actress also revealed that the prolonged health struggles contributed to a nervous breakdown, leaving her husband worried about her well-being.

Having undergone 11 surgeries in 15 months, McCarthy said she became increasingly afraid that her body would start "falling apart again."

She also described the emotional strain of her treatment, which involved taking around 100 pills a day.

"I find myself crying sometimes," she said, describing how difficult it was to manage the medication and the uncertainty surrounding her recovery.

Jenny McCarthy's Symptoms And Mycotoxin Poisoning Diagnosis

Read More: Cladophialophora bantiana: US CDC Flags Surge In Deadly Brain Fungus Cases

McCarthy first spoke publicly about her health ordeal in March, describing six months of what she called "living hell."

She previously reported experiencing an infected root canal, pus-filled growths on her eyelids, mouth infections, tooth pain, skin rashes and food allergies.

The actress said a doctor diagnosed her with mycotoxin poisoning in December 2025. She has since described being in remission for seven months and focusing on recovery.

Her efforts to avoid further exposure have also been extensive. In an October 29 podcast episode, she revealed that she had been sleeping in a tent in her backyard because she was afraid of being exposed to mold indoors.

"Because I am paranoid now about basically sleeping anywhere, I live in a tent," she said.

McCarthy has also spoken about concerns over her breast implants and whether they could be associated with mold exposure. During a November 3 podcast episode, she discussed the issue with plastic surgeon Dr Terry Dubrow, who has treated her previously.

What Is Mycotoxin Poisoning And How Can It Affect Health?

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain molds and other fungi. Exposure can occur through contaminated food or environments, depending on the type of toxin and the route of exposure.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, mycotoxin exposure can affect different parts of the body, including the digestive system, eyes and mouth. Mold exposure can also trigger allergic reactions and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma.

The health effects depend on factors such as the type of mycotoxin, the amount and duration of exposure, and an individual's susceptibility.