A new study by our team was published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and revealed a striking seasonal connection between allergies and mental health.
We analyzed Google search trends in the U.S. from 2020 to 2025 and found that peaks in searches for “allergies” (especially allergic rhinitis) consistently lined up with increased searches for “depression” and “anxiety.” These mental health search spikes occurred during the classic allergy seasons — spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) — often rising at the same time or within a few weeks after allergy symptoms surged.
There are at least two likely mechanisms:
- Sleep disruption caused by nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes
- Systemic inflammation from allergy-related cytokines that can affect brain function and mood
Even in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic added extra stress, the allergy-anxiety pattern was clearly visible.
Bottom line for patients and doctors:
Allergies aren’t just annoying — they can genuinely impact mental wellbeing. Better allergy control (especially improving sleep) during peak seasons may help protect mood.
This study highlights why allergists should routinely discuss sleep and mental health with patients, and why public education during allergy season should include mental wellness tips.
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(25)01680-X/fulltext
Disclosure: The study was authored by my team.