by Danielle Zarcaro

Created on: June 11, 2009

While each individual has a different type of allergy with a different level of severity, the result is just the same: grogginess, fatigue, and - like the Claritin commercial states - like we're foggy and need to peel back the figurative page that is blocking our interaction with the world. My own allergies decided to spike almost instantaneously as summer was starting a few years ago. I have seasonal-type allergies, but am allergic to many different things; as an allergy sufferer, I can offer direct and truthful facts about how allergies affect my mood and energy level.

Both are greatly affected. When my allergies are especially bad, I can become angry - at whatever is causing my allergies, which tends to rub off on the people around me. I am often tired, especially when I don't take my allergy medications. My mind feels like it has to work harder to get through the effects of my allergies which makes me even more tired and reluctant to do anything that requires much thinking.

I also get embarrassed. When my nose is being uncooperative for the day, I have to carry tissues around and explain to people that no, I'm not sick, and no, I'm not going to infect them. I get looks as if I'm not wanted which only makes me more irritated. Then I start to think about how this whole vicious cycle is exhausting, and I just want to take a nap.

Some people's reactions to allergies might not be this strong, but when someone says their allergies are acting up, they might have to deal with a day like this - or even worse. My allergies are not as bad as they were two years ago, and they aren't as bad as some people's allergies.

People can be allergic to anything which can affect their performance in work or school - or even outdoor activities. There are times when I walk by a tree and can feel the air weighing down on me, making it hard to breathe. If the allergic person is playing a sport where there is a possibility of falling on the ground, that can be problematic as well. On bad days, my skin can get itchy if I'm walking on grass with skin exposed for instance on the feet or ankles.

Allergies can alter both mood and energy level, but there are options out there (medication, allergists, etc...) that can be taken advantage of. Don't tell an allergic person he or she is faking it, and if you are the person who is allergic, hang in there. I certainly believe you will come up with a solution - anything at all - to ease this annoyance.

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