The winter depression: coal heating and mental health in China

This study provides a causal estimate of the mental health consequences of coal heating. Using a regression discontinuity design based on the start dates of heating service across different cities in China, the results show that heating significantly increases the risk to mental health. The study finds a 1.3-point increase in the indicator measuring depressive symptoms, which accounts for nearly 47% of the average score. The coal heating also significantly raises the likelihood of experiencing mild depression by 14% and has an 8.8% effect on moderate depression. Mechanism analysis shows that reduced exercise activity, delayed bedtime, and air pollution stemming from heating could be the underlying channels. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating mental health outcomes into the evaluation of coal heating policy effectiveness.