Seasonal allergies don’t just cause sneezing and congestion—they may also be tied to mental health struggles.
There is a growing body of research showing an association between allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and higher rates of anxiety and depression, likely driven by a mix of poor sleep, fatigue, reduced focus, and the stress of feeling sick, along with inflammation that may affect the brain through immune chemicals like cytokines.
While allergies alone haven’t been shown to directly cause mood disorders, studies across multiple countries repeatedly find a connection, and some research has even suggested a possible link between high pollen counts and suicide risk, though that relationship is not well understood.
Experts advise people who don’t feel like themselves during allergy season to talk with a primary care doctor or allergist, describe specific symptoms and how long they’ve lasted, and review medications—since some antihistamines, decongestants, oral steroids, and drugs like Singulair can also affect mood and behavior.
You can watch the full report in the video at the beginning of this article.