Mumbai Monsoon Triggers Anxiety and Emotional Exhaustion says Dr Harish Shetty

The relentless monsoon rains in Mumbai have begun to take a severe toll on the mental health of residents, causing widespread anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion. Dr. Harish Shetty, a prominent psychiatrist at the Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, highlighted these growing mental health challenges as continuous downpours and physical disruptions continue to impact daily life across the city, including severe waterlogging on Lal Bahadur Shastri Road.

According to Dr. Shetty, the prolonged monsoon conditions in the city do more than just cause physical damage. They trigger deep-seated anxiety, fear, and emotional exhaustion among Mumbaikars who have to navigate the disrupted environment. The constant strain of dealing with the weather has led to documented emotional trauma for many local residents.

On July 7, 2026, details of these mental health challenges were documented by journalist Vinod Kumar Menon, who noted that days of continuous downpours are directly linked to the mounting anxiety and fear experienced by the public. The psychological impact is deeply intertwined with the physical disruptions that occur during the heavy spells of rain.

Mumbai has experienced flooded roads, delayed trains, and massive traffic congestion. A key example of these disruptions is the severe waterlogging on Lal Bahadur Shastri Road, also known as LBS Road, which has repeatedly brought traffic to a standstill and disrupted the daily routines of thousands of commuters.

Dr. Shetty explained that these continuous daily struggles with commuting and safety contribute significantly to the mounting stress and fear. The combination of delayed transit, waterlogged streets, and the uncertainty of the weather creates a high-pressure environment that exhausts residents emotionally.

While the physical infrastructure of the city faces pressure from the heavy downpours, Dr. Shetty emphasized that the psychological impact on the population is a critical concern that requires attention. The feelings of fear and trauma are directly linked to the relentless nature of the rainfall and the resulting disruptions to normal life.