East Hillsborough News

• Seasonal depression is a common occurrence during the winter months.
• Around 10 million Americans experience seasonal depression every year.
• Persistent sinus problems may increase the probability of experiencing depression, but treatment can resolve both issues. 

Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression during the winter, and sinus issues could be a contributing factor. Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free said chronic sinusitis can increase the risk of depression.

"Depression and sinusitis go hand in hand. Your risk of depression and anxiety is so much greater when you have chronic sinusitis," Dr. Pate told East Hillsborough News. "For many patients with chronic fatigue, not sleeping, not being able to function the way they want to, not being able to breathe—it really wears on them, and it causes these underlying conditions to really get worse. Many times, when patients are treated with effective treatment and procedures and they start breathing better and feeling better, they're able to get out and live life, and they're able to start staving off those feelings of anxiety and depression."

A report from Boston University revealed that around ten million Americans encounter seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), annually. This condition may manifest with symptoms such as sadness, lethargy, and changes in weight. Typically, SAD occurs during the winter, marked by shorter days and reduced sunlight, and it tends to impact women more frequently than men. Treatment options for SAD include light therapy and conventional approaches like antidepressant medications.

Additional symptoms that could relate to SAD include oversleeping, weight gain, tiredness, low energy, and appetite changes, specifically cravings for high-carb foods, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors there noted that, although experiencing occasional low moods is a common part of life, if you find yourself consistently feeling down for extended periods and struggle to muster enthusiasm for activities you typically enjoy, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. This becomes particularly crucial if you notice changes in your sleep patterns and appetite, rely on alcohol for solace or relaxation, or experience feelings of hopelessness.

According to a study conducted by Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus, up to 25% of individuals dealing with chronic sinusitis also encounter symptoms of depression, in addition to more typical signs of a sinus infection like headaches, facial pain, coughing, and nasal discharge. Addressing sinus infections through medication or procedures like balloon sinuplasty can be an effective treatment for depression stemming from chronic sinusitis.

Dr. Pate, a certified otolaryngologist, earned a bachelor's degree magna cum laude from the University of Florida, according to Tampa Bay Breathe Free's website. She received her medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, graduating among the top 5% of her class. She then underwent an otolaryngology internship at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and later completed her otolaryngology residency at the same location.