SC Connecticut News

• Approximately 10 million Americans experience seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, each year.

• Chronic sinus problems can also increase the likelihood of experiencing depression.

• Depression caused by chronic sinusitis can be treated by addressing the sinus problems.  

Winter officially begins on Dec. 21, meaning the days are shorter and more people will experience chronic sinus problems, which health experts believe leads to an increased risk of depression.

Each year, roughly 10 million Americans report experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, during the winter months, according to Boston University. Dr. Robert Weiss, a physician with CT ENT Sinus Center, said chronic sinus problems only increase that risk.

"There's certainly a lot in the literature about the connection between depression and mental health in general, and having a chronic sinus problem and recurrent allergies that are significant," Weiss told SC Connecticut News. "And it makes sense, because if I get a bad cold or a sinus infection, it affects your mood and your ability to work sometimes, or you don't want to be around people."

Physician's Weekly reported studies that have revealed that people who have recurring sinus issues are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. One particular study comparing patients with repeated sinus problems to those without any sinus issues during an 11-year period found that those who have chronic sinusitis are 50% more likely to experience depression or anxiety.

As many as 25% of people with chronic sinus issues also experience depression and other sinus infection symptoms such as headaches, facial pain and nasal discharge, according to Houston Nose and Sinus. Addressing the underlying sinus issue with medication or a surgery, such as balloon sinuplasty, could improve the associated depression. 

To evaluate your sinus or allergy symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.