Hay fever: How it can affect your mood

Spring can be an exciting time for some, but for others, it means runny noses, itchy eyes, and in some cases, low moods.

If you suffer from hay fever, you have probably experienced the spring slump.

Dr Babak Ashrafi, GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, explains the link between hay fever and mental health.

Low energy levels

One common symptom of allergies is tiredness.

"When we have an allergy, whether it's hay fever related or not, our bodies work in overdrive to fight off the foreign bodies (allergens) which can lead to a drop in energy levels," Dr Ashrafi says. "Other hay fever symptoms such as a runny nose can also result in a restless night's sleep, depleting energy levels further."

Change in mood

It is also common to notice a change in your mood when you are suffering from hay fever.

"Common hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and irritable eyes can inadvertently affect your mood," the expert states. "It has even been reported that in a self-report study, self-reported lower moods were associated with high pollen counts."

When you should start taking hay fever medication

If you suffer from hay fever symptoms, it may be worth trying treatments and medications.

"You should always take note of when you start experiencing hay fever symptoms each year so you can prepare ahead the following year," Dr Ashrafi advises. "I would advise to start taking an anti-drowsy antihistamine 1-2 weeks before you normally start experiencing hay fever symptoms, to build up your body's defence, and then one tablet a day until the hay fever season ends."

The expert recommends, "For light relief of common hay fever symptoms such as irritable eyes and a blocked nose, you can use products like Superdrug's Allergy Eye Drops and Superdrug's Saline Nasal Spray."