Is It Allergies or Depression? How the Changing Seasons Affect Your Mental Health

By Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma

As the seasons change and spring begins to bloom, many people start to notice shifts—not just in the weather, but in how they feel emotionally and physically. You might find yourself feeling more tired, less motivated, or even a little down. But how do you know if you’re experiencing seasonal allergies, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or something else entirely?

Let’s break it down.

Allergies vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?

Spring allergies are incredibly common in Oklahoma. As pollen counts rise, symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and irritability often set in. But here’s the tricky part: many of those symptoms overlap with signs of depression.

Common Allergy Symptoms:

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose

• Itchy eyes or throat

• Headaches

• Fatigue or poor sleep quality

Common Symptoms of Depression:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Fatigue or low energy

• Loss of interest in activities

• Trouble concentrating

• Changes in appetite or sleep

If you’ve ruled out the sniffles and still feel emotionally heavy, it could be more than allergies.

The Mental Health Side of Seasonal Shifts

Spring brings more daylight, warmer weather, and budding trees—but it also brings disruption. The transition between seasons can be jarring for your body and your mind. For some, spring is a time of renewal; for others, it can heighten anxiety or even bring about depressive symptoms.

Why?

• The increase in daylight can affect melatonin and serotonin levels, impacting mood and sleep.

• Social pressure to “feel better” in spring may clash with your internal state.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often associated with winter, can also occur in spring.

When to Seek Support

If you’re feeling persistently low, disconnected, or overwhelmed, it’s worth checking in with a mental health professional. At Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma, we offer a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings—whether you’re navigating seasonal transitions or something deeper.

You don’t have to wait until it feels like a crisis. Talking to someone can help you sort through what’s physical, what’s emotional, and what tools might help you feel more balanced this season.

Tips for Navigating Seasonal Change:

• Stick to a routine – Sleep, meals, and movement help regulate your body and mind.

• Get outside – Sunshine and fresh air can be incredibly restorative.

• Check in with your body – Keep track of physical symptoms and how they relate to your mood.

• Talk it out – Whether with a therapist or a trusted friend, don’t bottle things up.

• Don’t self-diagnose – It’s easy to Google your symptoms, but personalized care is more effective.

Need Someone to Talk To?

At Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma, our team of therapists is here to walk with you through life’s changing seasons. Whether you’re unsure if it’s allergies, depression, or something in between, we’re here to help you find clarity and healing.

Call us today or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

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Is It Allergies or Depression? How the Changing Seasons Affect Your Mental Health

By Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma

As spring rolls into Oklahoma, we welcome sunshine, blooming trees, and longer days—but not everyone feels renewed. For many, seasonal transitions bring unexpected shifts in mood and energy. You might even ask yourself: Am I just dealing with allergies, or is this something deeper like depression?

Here’s what you should know.

Allergies vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?

Spring allergies are a fact of life for many Oklahomans. Pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers can trigger sneezing, congestion, fatigue, and even trouble concentrating. But here’s the catch—some of these same symptoms are also signs of depression.

Common Allergy Symptoms:

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose

• Headaches

• Fatigue or “brain fog”

• Trouble sleeping

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergy-related fatigue is common, especially when symptoms interfere with sleep or reduce oxygen flow [1].

Common Depression Symptoms:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

The Mayo Clinic notes that depression can cause both physical and emotional symptoms that overlap with allergy fatigue [2].

So if your body feels off and you’re feeling emotionally disconnected, it might be time to take a closer look.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Mental Health

We often associate winter with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but springtime can be challenging too. Mood disorders are closely tied to sunlight exposure, body rhythms, and environmental changes.

Why spring can trigger emotional shifts:

• Daylight changes can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm and alter melatonin production, affecting sleep and mood [3].

• Allergens can trigger inflammation, which research suggests may play a role in depression [4].

• Social pressures to feel energized or happy in the spring may clash with your inner reality, creating internal conflict.

In fact, one study found that suicide rates slightly increase in the late spring and early summer, a surprising reminder that longer days don’t always equal better mental health [5].

Tips for Navigating the Season:

• Stick to a routine – Sleep and meal schedules can help stabilize your mood.

• Get outside – Even 20 minutes a day of sunlight can boost vitamin D and support serotonin production [6].

• Track your symptoms – Note physical vs. emotional symptoms to share with a medical provider or therapist.

• Stay hydrated and limit allergens – Use air purifiers, wash bedding frequently, and consider allergy testing if symptoms persist.

• Talk to someone – You don’t have to figure it out alone.

When to Seek Help

If your mood stays low, you’re feeling unusually anxious, or everyday activities feel overwhelming, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist. At Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma, we’re here to help you sort through the fog—whether it’s caused by pollen, depression, or a mix of both.

Want to Talk?

Spring doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. If you’re not sure what you’re feeling—or why—we’re here to help. Contact Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma today to schedule a confidential appointment.

Sources:

1. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2023). “Allergies and Fatigue.” https://acaai.org

2. Mayo Clinic. (2022). “Depression (Major Depressive Disorder).” https://www.mayoclinic.org

3. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). “Circadian Rhythm Disorders.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org

4. Harvard Health Publishing. (2017). “Can Allergies Cause Depression?” https://www.health.harvard.edu

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). “Vital Signs: Suicide Rising Across the U.S.” https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide

6. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). “Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/