I have had generalized anxiety disorder since I was 11. I have been drinking coffee since I was 12. Does coffee increase my anxiety? Yes! But I have no intention of quitting it. Here’s why.
Coffee keeps me awake.
While I don’t have any sleeping disorder, I have one peculiar problem: I am perpetually sleepy. I first noticed this in grade 7, when I felt sleepy even while studying my favorite subject, English. When I realized that I could no longer keep my eyes open while studying dreary subjects like Maths, I told my mother that I needed to have tea or coffee to function. Since it is safe for twelve-year-olds to consume caffeine, she gave me permission to try both.
Coming from a house of tea drinkers, I gave it a whirl. But tea barely had any effect on me, so I turned to coffee. Now this was instant coffee, but it worked pretty well for me. For the first time in days, I felt wide awake and alive. Since then, I began to have at least one cup of coffee a day for the sake of my studies. Even on holidays, I needed a cup a day to feel like a non-sleepwalker.
Coffee gives me hope and energy.
Depression entered my life at the age of 13, and I now needed coffee more than ever. Coffee’s mood-boosting properties kept me going somehow, even though I didn’t have access to either medication or therapy. Plus, teenage angst and hormones made everything seem ten times worse than it really was. Depression hit my physical and mental energy levels too, and only coffee was able to increase them.
In my twenties, I began to have two cups a day to stay awake and productive. It was around this time that I realized how coffee had become an essential part of my life, and I decided to treat myself to freshly brewed coffee instead of only having the instant kind. At 27, I finally got myself a home espresso maker and experimented with a couple of brands until I found an affordable and delicious brand of coffee.
Coffee increases my anxiety but it overpowers my depression.
Today, at 32, I realize that coffee has not only helped me through some of my darkest periods but has also helped me stay out of bed on most days. It helps me fight the effects of depression like oversleeping and doing nothing. The only price I have to pay? Put up with a little more anxiety than I am used to.
All of this isn’t unique to me: several studies show that coffee helps fight depression, increases motivation, and improves. energy levels. Some studies even suggest that it reduces the risk of suicide. While tea helps fight depression as well, coffee is far more effective.
So now can you see why I have no intention of quitting coffee?
Coffee is one of the reasons I am alive today. It is why I have accomplished some of my life goals. It’s also the reason why I can go out in public without being too grouchy and unapproachable. Why on earth would I give it up?
Are you interested in some coffee recommendations from me?
If yes, check out the following pages:
Amazon India – https://www.amazon.in/shop/mahevash.shaikh.90/list/2G7DLRJD2ZBS7
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/shop/mahevash.shaikh.90/list/1TPTJEXYRKA0
PS I still drink only two cups of coffee a day. Any more than that is counterproductive because it makes me jumpy, irritable, and incredibly anxious. Your mileage may vary, so note how many cups you need to feel less depressed and not overly anxious.
As a coffee lover, I can relate to this. When sometimes I feel anxious after a cup of coffee, I take a break from it and then come back, it helps me.
Interesting dilemma for us depressives. As with so many things in this complicated life, it’s a trade-off. But thank you for your valuable insight.
Useful recommendations to keep handy.
Never been this attracted to coffee before.
Quite the elaborate version if coffee, i didnt know much about tea or coffee helping in depression.great
Another great post from you. Gurl don’t let the trolls get to you. Keep your comments on xx