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Caffeine and anxiety!!

Posted , 9 users are following.

Tommytitan
Tommytitan

Caffeine intensifies my panic beyong belief. Although caffeine has some health benefits, its not something to be trifled with if you suffer any form of anxiety. It's the only legal psychoactive drug. I know people lead busy lives and it helps with a modern lifestyle but this does not mean its ultimately beneficial. It does not agree with me. It sends me into a state of hell, palpitations I didn't think we're possible, skipping a beat is am understatement, my heart was dancing, the fear of death and disillusionment, depersonalisation was through the roof.

Does anyone else have this effect with caffeine or anything else for that matter!?

0 likes, 22 replies

22 Replies

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  • Purpledobermann
    Purpledobermann Tommytitan

    Posted

     Coffee and I have separated some years back. Definitely not compatible with anxiety! smile as soon as i was diagnosed i was asked to do two things by my psychiatrist: drop the coffee and no alcohol. He later added more...no strong vitamin C (e.g. more than 300 mg), no symptom relief flu meds, cough syrups, (nothing with pseudoephedrine), no medication that is unnecessary, no fake sugars (sweetners like asparatame). I drink decaf, in very small doses and some are very tasty. Since completing therapy i sometimes take a tiny cup of turkish coffee when i want to be really reckless !  Fun! smile
    • Mimi9876
      Mimi9876 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      Wow!!! That is reckless !!! Personally I can't think of anything worse!!! I try to look on the positive - I'm kind of forced to have a really healthy diet - which in turn makes me feel good & is good for me. My treat is a sneaky Diet Coke & a bit of chocolate. Re alcohol again it's not good for u. I can tell if I'm up to having a glass of vino or not. It's tough but really not half as tough as some other illnesses/diseases.
    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann Tommytitan

      Posted

      I am ok with anything less than 2 turkish coffees now LOL. I have been anxiety free (on a clinical level) for 8 years. And medication free for 3. I used to get palpitations, breathlessness and felt shaky, blurred vision shortly after caffeine - which would trigger panic mode back then. After about 1 hour I would feel crushed, lethargic and find it an effort to just breathe. (I guess that was the adrenaline down?). To shake it off I learned I should do basic repetitive chores like washing dishes, bathing the dog or mopping/sweeping for around 10 min following a coffee 'overdose' (i had to time my coffees to when i am home) to keep my mind neutral and help body work through the 'rush'....which just made me realise: how sad! smile
    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann Mimi9876

      Posted

      Absolutely right that it is not as bad as many other illnesses! I am also grateful for the benefits (long term) of our 'condition. We get more in touch with our body and do tend to look after our health more. I have cut out sugars and all of the above. Reduced meat and dairy, eating much more healthily. Take the time to exercise. Learned tons of relaxation techniques...lots of stuff i never would have bothered with otherwise. I can't have alcohol to this day. It does not sit well with me any more since having anxiety. Don't miss it at all. I prefer feeling in control. Still love chocolate though and never say no to it smile
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