As we come to understand more about the human brain and psyche, the role of environmental factors in shaping our mental health becomes clearer.

One of the most interesting, and least talked about, of these factors is the temperature of the environment we were born into.

Born in the Heat

Regions closer to the equator tend to have higher temperatures and high humidity for most of the year. The babies born in these regions may develop different coping strategies to adapt to the temperatures when young.

The heat can also cause dehydration and other health issues, which can impact the mother of the child.

Studies have shown that people born in hot climates may have a higher likelihood of developing themes and symptoms relating to severe mental health problems such as schizophrenia.

Extreme heat may negatively impact the nervous system, leading to an increased risk of mental illnesses.

This boils down to the idea that extreme temperatures likely affect the developing brain. Factors that contribute to mental illness include inflammation, stress hormones or oxidative stress.

All of these factors are linked to being born in an environment with excessive heat, meaning that environmental factors impact the brain formation process.

Born in the Cold

On the other end of the spectrum, regions with significantly low temperatures for much of the year also impact mental health. Cold environments can lead to vitamin D deficiencies and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) when the days shorten.

Babies born in cold regions are more likely to develop issues such as SAD because the lack of exposure to sunlight leads to a deficiency of Vitamin D. Lack of exposure to sunlight can lead to depression-like symptoms.

Additionally, cold regions can be dark, quiet, and isolating, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Winter depression is a common phenomenon seen in chilly regions such as northern parts of Norway and Finland, where the sun barely rises for months at a time. Furthermore, people in cold areas experience lower levels of life satisfaction, optimism and are less outgoing overall, which can lead to a shutdown of the social networks they rely on for support, adding to the sense of isolation and loneliness.

How These Factors Contribute to Mental Health Issues

The impact of environmental factors on mental health can be a complex issue.

One theory suggests that the way our bodies adapt to different temperatures conditions the nervous system in such a way that it’s more susceptible to certain types of mental health issues.

Another phenomenon that can take place is the alteration of neurotransmitter systems’ functions in the body. The body has a hormone system that helps regulate mood such as serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine.

Extreme temperatures can impact the functioning of these neurotransmitters, leading to mental health disorders that could impact people throughout their lives.

Conclusion

The environment we were born into has a profound impact on our lives; it can play a critical role in our physical and mental health.

With scientists increasingly investigating the effect of temperature on babies born in different environments, it seems the topic can be more relevant now than ever.

Whether someone is born in a hot or cold environment influences their mental health’s likelihood, with cold areas possibly leading to instances of SAD, and hot areas creating an environment where symptoms of severe psychological disorders occur.

Note: It is essential to remember that one’s environment is only one of many factors that affect mental health.

There are many other factors, including genetics, nutrition, and life incidents, such as trauma, that can all contribute to mental health issues. Prevention is key, and following stress management strategies, keeping the body healthy, and reaching out to available support can help prevent severe psychological conditions.