The RANZCP NSW Branch has responded to an analysis by UNSW Sydney published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, which found that youth ED visits for suicidal thoughts or behaviours increased by 1.3% for every 1°C rise in daily mean temperatures in NSW.

Chair of the RANZCP NSW Branch, Dr. Pramudie Gunaratne, said young Australians are bearing the brunt of rising temperatures, and as a result, psychiatrists are increasingly concerned about the risk to young people’s mental health.

“We cannot ignore the mounting evidence that rising temperatures are a risk to mental health.

“Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s here, affecting the health and wellbeing of people everywhere.

“Extreme weather events contribute to intensifying anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disruption, and suicidal thoughts, especially in young people.

“We’re witnessing more young Australians in crisis at the frontlines, turning up to emergency departments overwhelmed and in distress.”

Heat is the deadliest natural disaster in Australia, and suicide remains the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15-24.

"Hot days are especially hard on those already vulnerable— like young people living in poor housing or in rural areas.

“As heatwaves become more frequent and temperatures rise globally and in Australia, our mental health system must be better prepared to support those affected.

“Recovery from climate-related trauma depends on getting the right treatment at the right time, including access to specialist services. 

"Psychiatrists and mental health workers play a key role in helping individuals and communities recover from climate-related anxiety, trauma, and depression, while also building resilience for the future.

“But right now, support is too hard to access, too expensive, or too far away for most young people.”

Dr Gunaratne said governments must treat climate change as an urgent public health issue.

“As well as providing immediate support, we have to ensure mental health care is a key part of long-term planning for rising temperatures, natural disasters and extreme weather events.

"This includes guaranteeing that trained mental health workers are available to everyone, whenever and wherever they need help.”

For media inquiries, please contact: Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention