Key Points
- Seasonal allergies don’t just affect your sinuses; they can also make depression worse.
- Allergic reactions increase cytokine levels, which can affect mood and brain function.
- Constant allergy symptoms can put your body under chronic stress and affect sleep, which may result in heightened depression.
- Managing stress, improving sleep, and getting the correct allergy medication can help you feel better during allergy season.
The arrival of spring can bring joy and optimism for many, but for some it can trigger a different reaction. Along with cherry blossoms and warm weather comes the season of allergies, which can cause sneezing, coughing, and sinus irritation. If you find yourself feeling a bit more down than usual during the spring season, you may be wondering—can seasonal allergies affect your mood? If you suffer from depression, you might see an increase in symptoms during allergy season. In this post, we will explore the relationship between seasonal allergies, depression, and mental health.
The Relationship Between Allergies and Depression
Seasonal allergies can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Allergies trigger inflammation in the body, which can increase the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that play a role in the immune response, but also have an impact on brain function. Studies have shown that cytokines can affect mood, cognition, and behavior. In people with depression, elevated cytokine levels have been linked to increased symptoms of fatigue, loss of interest, and social withdrawal.
When you have seasonal allergies, your body is constantly fighting off allergens such as pollen and mold. This can lead to a state of chronic stress, which can worsen depression symptoms. Stress can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex system that regulates the body’s response to stress. In people with depression, the HPA axis might be dysregulated, leading to imbalances in hormones such as cortisol. High levels of cortisol have been linked to increased depression and anxiety symptoms.
People with allergies might also have sleep problems, which can exacerbate depression. Allergies can cause nasal congestion and breathing difficulties, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Poor sleep quality can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which are all symptoms of depression. Lack of sleep can also affect the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies and Depression
Seasonal allergies can do more than make you sneeze. They can affect your mood, energy, and mental clarity. You might also notice signs of depression alongside your common allergy symptoms like:
- Sneezing, runny nose, or congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes and scratchy throat
- Throat inflammation and soreness
- Low energy, irritability, and feeling on edge
- Irregular sleeping cycles, falling asleep, or staying asleep
- Feeling down and unmotivated
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
- Social isolation or avoiding activities
Coping with Seasonal Allergies and Depression
Seasonal allergies can affect more than just your nose and eyes. If you suffer from depression, you might see an increase in symptoms during allergy season. Allergies and allergy medication can trigger inflammation, stress, and sleep problems, which can worsen depression.
Research shows that some allergy medications can make mental health symptoms worse, especially in people with conditions like depression or anxiety. Medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and decongestants like pseudoephedrine can cause side effects such as drowsiness, disorientation, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and even dementia in older adults. These drugs are commonly used as many people are not aware of their potential downsides and side effects.
For safer alternatives, stick to over-the-counter nasal sprays, allergy eye drops, or antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine, which are less likely to cause side effects. Neti pots with saline solution can also be a medication-free way to clear the nasal passage.
It’s important to take care of your mental and physical health during allergy season by getting enough sleep, managing stress, and seeking the correct medical treatment if needed. With the right care, you can enjoy the beauty of spring without letting allergies and depression get in the way.
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