Extreme heat poses a growing threat to human health, with well-documented impacts on mental health and well-being. Exposure to high temperatures has been associated with increased risks of suicide; exacerbation of symptoms related to schizophrenia, anxiety, depressive and substance use disorders; heightened negative emotions and diminished positive emotions; disrupted sleep; increased fatigue; and higher rates of mental health–related hospitalization and mortality, particularly among individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. 

The mental health impacts of extreme heat are not experienced equally. Certain populations are disproportionately affected, including low-income communities, individuals experiencing homelessness, people living or working in inadequately cooled environments (such as correctional facilities and healthcare institutions), older adults, children and individuals with pre-existing physical or mental health conditions.

What kind of case studies are we looking for?

We are seeking short, real-life case studies that show some of the great work that is being done to reduce the impact of heat on mental health. 

We are interested in case studies from different types of stakeholders (e.g., government, civil society, etc.), working at different levels (individual, family, community, society) with diverse interventions (e.g., psychosocial support in cooling centres, crisis hotlines during heatwaves, financial support for at-risk groups such as people living with schizophrenia to obtain air conditioning, greening hospitals to cool the environment, etc.). 

We are also interested in heat policies and interventions that have focused on populations living with mental health conditions or that have included mental health as an outcome. 

The deadline for submitting the case studies is Saturday, 14 February 2026 (23:59 GMT). 

Selected candidates will be contacted and invited to submit additional information on the case studies by 28 February 2026, after which the final selection of case studies will be made.

How will the case studies be used?

A selection of case studies will be included in a policy brief on the integration of mental health in heat policies, developed by United for Global Mental Health in collaboration with Climate Cares Centre and the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, and Columbia University. Organisations that contributed their case study will be formally acknowledged as part of the report.