The Unexpected Link Between Pollen and Anxiety

Spring brings longer days, green leaves, and... mood swings? For some people, this season of renewal also comes with a strange sense of unease — one that goes beyond hay fever. If that’s you, you're not alone. There’s growing research suggesting that spring pollen might be linked to spikes in anxiety and even depression.

What’s the Science?

Allergic reactions release histamine, and histamine isn’t just responsible for itchy eyes — it’s a neurotransmitter, meaning it affects the brain too. Elevated histamine levels have been linked to changes in mood, sleep disruption, and increased anxiety in sensitive individuals.

In fact, some scientists believe there's a “histamine-anxiety loop” — where your body’s allergic response may quietly influence how anxious or restless you feel, even if your physical allergy symptoms are mild.

What Can You Do?

While you can’t stop the trees from blooming, you can support your body’s response. Reduce exposure by keeping windows closed during high pollen hours, using HEPA filters indoors, and rinsing off after spending time outside. Foods rich in quercetin (like apples and red onions) may help stabilise histamine levels naturally.

And of course, managing stress and sleep becomes even more important if your mood is affected by allergies. Deep breathing, movement, hydration — it all helps. Your spring calm is still within reach.

Looking for extra support? Our Calm Patch is designed to help soothe feelings of overwhelm and restore balance, especially helpful during seasonal changes like this.