DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – According to new research from the Journal of Health Economics, seasonal allergies triggered by pollen appear to make deaths by suicide more likely.
The study looked at pollen measurements in comparison to the daily suicide counts across 34 U.S. metropolitan areas.
The results showed that, relative to days with no or low levels of pollen, deaths by suicide rose by 5.5 percent when pollen levels were moderate and they rose by 7.4 percent when levels were high.
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The authors of the study suggest that allergies worsen vulnerabilities, including lack of sleep, congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat. These symptoms reduce alertness and cognitive functioning, which can worsen mental health and increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors…