Whenever haze blankets our cities and towns, our attention naturally turns to the Air Pollutant Index (API), respiratory problems, eye irritation and the possibility of school closures.

We check the skies before going outdoors, cancel our exercise routines and wonder how long the unhealthy air will persist.

However, another consequence of haze deserves our attention, and that is its impact on our mental health.

Haze can affect our mood and sense of well-being.

When the skies remain grey for days or weeks, many people may feel worried, frustrated, irritable and helpless.

As Malaysia continues to face recurring haze episodes, we need to recognise that protecting public health means looking after both our physical and psychological well-being.

Affecting our minds

One of the most common psychological reactions to haze is anxiety.

Parents worry about their children’s health, while those with asthma, heart disease or other medical conditions may fear the consequences of breathing polluted air.

Older people and individuals with existing health problems may feel particularly vulnerable.

The uncertainty surrounding haze can make matters worse.

We may not know how long it will last, whether the air will improve tomorrow or whether it is safe to go outdoors.

We may have to change our plans at short notice, keep our children indoors and abandon activities that normally help us relax.

This uncertainty can make us feel like we have little control over our lives.

When a problem persists and we cannot do much to change it, frustration and helplessness may develop.

For some people, repeated experiences of severe haze may also trigger anxiety whenever the skies begin to look hazy again.

They may immediately worry about their health and their family’s safety.

Such concerns are understandable, especially among those who have previously experienced serious haze episodes.

The psychological effects of haze are not simply a matter of personal opinion.

A 2008 Malaysian study, published in the Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences, examined the physical and psychological effects of haze among a university community.

In their study, clinical psychologist Dr Teoh Hsien-Jin and Tan Kai Ling surveyed 306 university students and staff.

Participants reported a range of emotional difficulties, including feeling depressed, lacking energy and motivation, experiencing anxiety and fear, having difficulty sleeping, feeling irritable, and losing their appetite.

Many also reduced outdoor activities and stopped participating in sports.

The researchers highlighted that haze could affect people’s emotions and behaviour, in addition to causing physical discomfort.

This study is particularly relevant because it was conducted in Malaysia, where haze is a recurring environmental concern.

Although the findings cannot be applied to every Malaysian or prove that haze directly causes psychiatric illness, they remind us that the psychological effects of haze should not be ignored.

Its message that haze can affect not only how we breathe, but also how we feel and live, remains important, even nearly two decades later.

Staying indoors

During periods of unhealthy air quality, people are often advised to remain indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

These precautions are necessary, but prolonged restrictions can also affect our emotional well-being.

For many Malaysians, walking in the park, jogging, gardening, meeting friends outdoors or taking children to the playground are simple ways to relieve stress.

When these activities are no longer possible, we lose everyday pleasures that help us maintain a healthy mood.

Children may become restless and frustrated when they cannot play outside.

Adults may feel confined and bored, while families living in small or crowded homes may experience greater tension.

People who exercise regularly may also struggle to maintain their routines.

As physical activity can help improve mood, reduce stress and support better sleep, losing these opportunities may further affect our well-being.

Socioeconomic inequality

The financial consequences of haze can add to the psychological burden.

Outdoor workers, including construction workers, delivery riders, traffic personnel and street vendors, may have to continue working despite the poor air quality as taking time off may mean losing income.

Families with limited financial resources may also find it difficult to afford air purifiers or improve indoor air quality.

They may feel anxious about the health risks while having fewer options to protect themselves.

This highlights that the psychological burden of haze is not experienced equally by everyone.

Those with fewer resources and less control over their working and living conditions may face greater difficulties.

Protecting our mental health

Although we cannot control the weather or eliminate haze, we can take practical steps to protect our psychological well-being.

Follow updates from official sources such as the Environment Department and Health Ministry.

Knowing the current air quality and understanding the recommended precautions can help us make informed decisions.

Avoid repeatedly checking alarming social media posts or sharing unverified information, as this may increase unnecessary anxiety.

Even when outdoor activities are restricted, we can continue safe indoor activities such as stretching, reading, cooking, listening to music or exercising indoors.

Maintaining regular sleeping and eating schedules can also help preserve a sense of normality.

Being confined indoors does not mean we must become socially isolated.

We can stay in touch with friends and family through phone calls, video calls or messaging.

Parents can organise indoor games and activities for children, while families can use the opportunity to spend meaningful time together.

We should pay particular attention to older people living alone, individuals with disabilities, those with chronic illnesses and people who may have limited access to information or support.

A simple phone call, an offer to get essential supplies or help understanding health advice can make a meaningful difference.

It is understandable to feel worried or frustrated when the haze is here.

However, if anxiety, low mood, sleep problems or irritability persist, become overwhelming or interfere significantly with daily life, it may be helpful to speak to a healthcare professional.

People with existing mental health conditions should continue their usual treatment and seek advice if their symptoms worsen.

Employers and schools also have a responsibility to support well-being during prolonged haze episodes.

Work arrangements should take account of outdoor exposure and workers’ safety, while schools should have clear plans to protect pupils without unnecessarily disrupting their learning and social development.

Collective responsibility

Haze is a regional problem that requires a regional solution.

Relevant countries must work together to address its underlying causes, including forest and land fires, irresponsible land management, and inadequate enforcement.

Cooperation, information-sharing and practical joint action are far more productive than finger- pointing and mutual accusations.

A blame game may generate headlines and momentary public approval, but it does little to improve air quality or protect the health of affected communities.

Countries may have legitimate concerns about the sources and consequences of transboundary haze, and they should address these concerns openly.

However, dialogue must lead to solutions rather than deteriorate into hostility.

Ultimately, ordinary citizens suffer, including children, older people and vulnerable communities who have little control over the situation.

We should use social media to encourage informed discussion, share reliable information and highlight opportunities for regional collaboration, rather than fuel anger and hostility.

Criticism may sometimes be justified, but it should be factual, proportionate and aimed at achieving meaningful change.

Political leaders also have a special responsibility during an environmental crisis.

Their words carry weight and can influence public attitudes, national sentiment and diplomatic relations.

Leaders should therefore exercise restraint and choose their words carefully, resisting the temptation to exploit public frustration for political popularity.

Responsible leadership means acknowledging legitimate concerns, communicating honestly and working towards practical solutions, even when doing so attracts less attention than a provocative statement.

No country can adequately protect its population from a transboundary environmental problem through rhetoric alone.

Clean air is not simply about protecting our lungs.

It is also about protecting our peace of mind, our quality of life and the well-being of our society.

Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj is a consultant psychiatrist and the Malaysian Mental Health Association president. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.