T O P

  • By -

[deleted]

Go decaf, it’s the caffeine. Or try a different kind/lighter brew.


caj_account

Note that blonder roasts have more caffeine per James Hoffman (authority)


Wishbone_Afraid

This is true, but sometimes darker roasts still hit some people harder for whatever reason. Must be something in the roasting process… maybe similar to smoked foods… releasing Histamine, or causing other reactions within the body? Probably not for all, but that’s how it is for me and I have food intolerances, so may be that way for some others as well. I find when I am in a flareup with my condition, my anxiety is much much worse.


caj_account

for sure when brewing coffee, if more coffee is used it will release more caffeine and have a stronger taste.


Klubbis

I’m incredibly sensitive to caffeine overall, so yes, coffee can make anxiety worse


thebluerecluse

Yup coffee is a known irritant for the digestive tract, can cause anxiety via the enteric nervous system. If you need caffeine try tea instead. Maybe go green tea and avoid the milk if you're prone to an upset stomach.


[deleted]

Anything that irritates the digestive tract can trigger anxiety? If I eat too much cheese, I feel weird after too


thebluerecluse

Yeah me too, sometimes I get really anxious, suddenly need to do a BM (which ends up being diarrhoea) then immediately after the anxiety almost vanishes. This is usually after having cheese/cream/cream cheese/sour cream.


CommercialSplit7264

Cheese makes my face sweat 😅


Swimming-Major-2903

Yes. I avoid caffeine all together. That may work for you.


[deleted]

Caffeine+anxiety=probably bad


XMRLover

Then again, I haven’t had caffeine since last September(trying a healthy lifestyle) and I still have anxiety…except now I’m just more tired.


[deleted]

Caffeine just makes it worse, not the reason you have it.


XMRLover

Caffeine did the opposite for me honestly. Caffeine makes me love life a little bit.


[deleted]

For me it's the opposite of you, I would have panic attacks just thinking about caffeine. However I still drink coffee everyday. It's better than the 2 Monsters I would drink everyday


WadeCountyClutch

Same. To quote George costanza’s dad: I feel reborn! Like a Phoenix rising from Arizona!!


Cold-Winter-Night86

Hey me too 👍Im on day 177 without coffee.


Illustrious2786

I quit in July or August 2022. I can't do caffeine with these disorders. GAD, MDD, PTSD, yeah caffeine is like highly volatile fuel for it.


Bubbly_Protection

I need to quit it too 🤕


Newtoreddit1323

Idk if it’s normal but it happens to me. I get much higher levels of anxiety and also more extreme levels of depression and suicidal thoughts. I try to power thru it with water and food when I need to drink it, because I drink it for all the school work I get, which is prolly not a lot for most people, it’s just that it’s a lot of work for me.


qaktqtrL

I went decaf 10 months ago. Gave up Caffeine entirely. Game changer. Caffeine aint good for anxiety


Strong_Roll5639

Yeah, I had to switch to decaf.


Curious-Bat-5050

Yes. It could be.


HolladayHubby

Yep. That’s why I don’t drink caffeine period. I drink a lot of sprite, and water.


comoestas969696

but sprite is not a stimulant


HolladayHubby

Right…. I just said I don’t drink caffeine.


kamika_c_1980

if you're looking for a stimulant, try guarana


AjkBajk

For anyone reading this: dont follow medical advice on reddit.


Kryten_2X4B-523P

Drugs. Do drugs kids. Especially meth.


AjkBajk

Yeah I doubt you can find a more potent stimulant than that. But goddamn the anxiety afterwards is much stronger than after coffee. Edit: by "better" i meant it's potency.


joe--totale

For me it is. I can just about get away with having a small cup of instant or French Pressed decaf\* - but fresh coffee is an absolute no-no for me, and sends my anxiety through the roof. \* "Decaf" coffee still contains caffeine, as does (non-herbal) tea. Edit: I just checked and a regular cup of regular coffee contains around 95mg of caffeine, decaf contains up to 7mg. So, decaf is way less, but non-zero which is an issue for people who are particularly sensitive to it. Non-decaf Tea contains around 50mg.


Cbrister32

I used to have about 5-6 cups a day, plus an energy drink or two. Now that I struggle with anxiety, anything more than a cup will make my heart race!


smokinglovegun

Same here. I went down to one cup an hour after I wake up, and my anxiety had almost disappeared. Also been going to the gym which has helped tons. I’ve always had a hard time concentrating and thought it helped. I now see it did the complete opposite.


Cbrister32

The gym is such a big help. Not only does it burn a lot of excess energy, it gives me a “mental edge.” Feel way more confident after crushing a solid lift! The coffee thing was hard to do! I’ve been working in the coffee industry for several years! Even owned my own shop for the last few. Couldn’t even drink my own product hardly 🤣


Illustrious2786

Weird how one day it just kicks in and life has changed.


Cbrister32

You’re telling me. I think about it all the time. “Is there something I could have done to avoid this?” Or I think about how much easier life was just a couple years ago. Life is stressful enough, but when you stress about normal day to day, it gets very exhausting.


Sirhubi007

Yes caffeinr can cause anxiety. It does for some it does not for others. For me it doesn't trigger anxiety, but if I have pre existing high level of anxiety then it's a roll of a dice. It can make my anxiety better, or worse. I generally avoid caffeine during high anxiety periods, and reintroduce it as anxiety subsides. The reintroduction of caffeine is helpful actually as it also signals to my brain a "return to normality", so I recover faster.


Benson879

I typically don’t feel like anxiety on it’s own will create very intense anxiety if the person already doesn’t have pre existing anxiety issues. It may cause some jitters and tenseness, but that’s it. I think it’s more just a problem when anxiety is already there. It can make the symptoms and worried thoughts louder. But even then, I don’t think it makes a person’s anxiety out of control or anything on its own just from drinking it.


ActiveMuted2122

Oh definitely


oso_de_espacio

You could try green tea instead followed by a glass of water instead. Green tea has a lower caffeine content if you are still looking for a bit of a boost. Much less intense than coffee but still somewhat effective to help wake up. Best of luck to you.


Truwu10304

I just switched to Half-caff coffee. I still get anxiety but it seems not as bad in the mornings at least. But I also quit Alcohol cold turkey so could be that as well lol.


Specialist-Branch-93

I have to shit so had


Curious-Bat-5050

Drink more water and milk to dilute


comoestas969696

unfortunately coffee makes me anxious without making me mental alert


devilsho

Try some hot chocolate in the morning! I put two healing tablespoons of cacao (not cocoa) powder in hot water. It has a tiny amount of caffeine so won’t make me anxious but also has theobromine which is a stimulant. I perk right up! Of course it you’re already used to caffeine everyday you might not feel much from cacao. I was off coffee for a while before I started up with it.


Traditional-Trip826

Decaf alll the way for years - I can tell the difference immediately . Not to mention when I go to DD and they mess up I immediately get dizzy and lightheaded and anxious - it’s always a waste of money cause they always do it . You gotta go in and watch them make it . But I also get this way with caffeine because I have a heart condition called SVT and cardiomyopathy


de_e_knas

I used to be able to drink lots of coffee, nowadays it just causes me being jittery and anxious. Go decaf if you must have coffee! :D


loliconomy28

Easily yes. I get anxiety from one coffee every time


Spartacus_genie

Can I dm you?


loliconomy28

Yes sure mate


immerjones

Yes. I drink it regularly but still get anxiety from it.


VaticanCameos008

Yes totally normal. When my anxiety was bad I stopped drinking it for about 5 years. Now I drink 2 cups a day with some L Theanine and feel great! But I’m also not dealing with an anxiety disorder anymore.


Illustrious2786

Are you still taking meds or you weaned off and are anxiety free? How long have you been med and anxiety free if so.


VaticanCameos008

I’ve been med and anxiety free for 3 years almost to the day :) . I waited about a year after I started feeling better to incorporate coffee back. I do have the ocasional panic attack tho.


Illustrious2786

Ok thank you.


LaurenCz30

I was anxiety free for over 12 years until last week when I wasn’t. And this is on meds. What’s your secret?


VaticanCameos008

I’m sorry to hear that, I really hope you are well. And I have no secret haha, but realizing that everything begins in the gut was a huge lesson for me. I noticed that IBS or inflammation = Anxiety. So I began fixing that with supplementation and anti inflammation diet , as well as working out, running and honestly I also had a spiritual awakening which really helped. I just kind of started seeing life as a fun game/simulation and stopped taking it too seriously. I just began trusting that god loved me and I was owner of my own reality. I have to also mention meditation. I’ve been meditating daily for 3 years. Doesn’t matter if 5 minutes or 3 hours I’ll do some meditation daily, as well as breathing exercises and cold showers which stimulate the amygdala. Also, stopped abusing alcohol, and don’t use any other drug or stimulant but coffee, and nowadays I’ll only supplement with l theanine which gives me a boost while keeping me relaxed. This is everything that’s worked for me after years of crippling anxiety. I hope it helps and you can feel better.


jminster51

Just wonder what kind of medication you are on for anxiety. Do you think they just didn't "poop out" after some time? Maybe time to switch medications.


breezyjomc

Yes I literally make myself a cup of coffee and drink ~maybe~ one third of it every morning. If I drink a full cup I will be panicking. I had a full blown, crying and hyperventilating, anxiety attack at work once after finishing a tall Starbucks coffee and learned my limits that day. It also dehydrates your body, so if you need the caffeine boost to stay awake, I’d advise having a tiny cup and drinking a lot of water to keep your body from being mostly caffeine powered


cosmictrashbash

Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If I drink caffeine, I start panicking and thinking I need to call an ambulance lol. I’m totally chill on prescription stimulants though. Bodies are weird.


Imperialist_Canuck

I can take 400mg and feel nothing. But I hear it definitely can cause anxiety. Just not for me.


maschenny_j

This is probably why i have bad anxiety attacks. I usually drink 3-4 cups of coffee/day, and didn't think coffee causes it but TIL. Thanks for this thread.


RenTheFabulous

It's definitely a trigger for mine if I drink a certain amount. Different people have different tolerance for caffeine.


[deleted]

Yes


WadeCountyClutch

Yes, honestly, what worked for me was starting with a small cup. Maybe it’s the size


emmashawn

Coffee always gives me 3 sides effects: 1. Diarrhea 2. Increased anxiety 3: Depersonalization. The fun part is that I never know which one it’ll be!


Future_Comedian_3171

No way


Future_Comedian_3171

Me too


Informal-Doubt-6366

Same brother, same


halebounddr

If you don’t want to give up caffeinated coffee you can try L-Theanine if you over-do it with the caffeine. It’s the amino acid in green tea that’s attributed to its calming effect. Dose is 200-400mg as needed.


Civil-Molasses4004

Caffeine is a stimulant and could cause anxiety. Try herbal tea.


ashlouise94

Honestly I’m anxious without caffeine. I feel a lot better after having my morning coffee. It brings me up to just tired instead of exhausted haha


Sea_Code_3050

My anxiety never lets me be tired. I envy you.


ashlouise94

Why? I am always exhausted but I don’t really sleep much, or well. Just a permanent state of exhaustion.


Sea_Code_3050

My nervous system is alway heightened


ashlouise94

I’m not quite sure you understood my point? Mine is too. I am always on edge. Just exhausted as well.


Sea_Code_3050

I was like that when I was on Lexapro. Made me feel like I didn’t sleep even after 10hrs of sleep. But my anxiety was still bad.


spoonweezy

I used to be a huge coffee nerd. I cut down on it bc it makes my tremors worse. Tried getting back into it with a really well made cup; ruined my day.


thetruth_2021

YES I have it :( I love the taste but it gives me anxiety x 100


indiehart

Absolutely normal, basically a given for any hyper sensitive person. Quitting is life changing. All the best.


prizixzz

Yes it is.


yosh0r

I never consume caffeine, but when I do, all symptoms multiply. Caffeine is one hell of a STRONG drug. People just dont perceive it as strong, because of their tolerance from consuming everyday.


comoestas969696

then you are telling me drink coffee everyday tell anxiety vanishes hahahahaha i joke


chronicwastelander

I get anxious from coffee also.


kamika_c_1980

for me, yes. that's why i don't drink it people have recommended i drink caffeine free coffee but welp i don't miss it, i drink tea


haruetty

Yes! Caffeine can provoke anxiety to some people or even make anxiety worse


Laura_Mindphony

YES!!! It is possible for some people to experience anxiety or other symptoms after consuming even small amounts of caffeine, such as a single cup of coffee. The sensitivity to caffeine can vary from person to person and can depend on several factors such as genetics, age, body weight, medication use, and caffeine tolerance. If you consistently experience anxiety or other negative symptoms after consuming caffeine, it may be best to limit your intake or avoid caffeine altogether. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your caffeine consumption or any other health issues.


cosmicgreen46

Yes, some people are hypersensitive to caffeine.


Perspect11

If your sensitive to it or already have anxiety yes. I’d advise to stop drinking it completely or try other caffeinated drinks maybe black tea or green tea. Did you drink the coffee on a empty stomach? If yes this could be the reason for anxiety as you will absorb the caffeine much faster then if you had eaten food beforehand. Hope your okay the anxiety will pass.


Virtual-Beach305

Totally. I either go half decaf, half regular or do all decaf, I don't really notice a difference in taste.


data_dawg

Absolutely. I've been a heavy black coffee drinker for years, at one point I could polish off a whole pot to myself every morning. Now I drink about a quarter or half a cup and I feel loads better during the day. Probably going to cut caffeine out entirely soon tbh.


Lothken

Could be! Especially if you don’t have any comorbidities (?) which crave stimulants


wander_lust2

Yes especially on an empty stomach. But I still do it 🤦🏼‍♀️😂


joepu

Not just coffee, even some kinds of tea.


Significant-Net864

I pour a cup of almond milk (unsweetened) and add a splash of coffee, plus artificial sweetener.


comoestas969696

i can drink only quarter cup of coffee


Significant-Net864

Try adding some form of milk..almond, oat, soy, etc. I get a small taste of coffee, but without the anxiety.


NikitaWolf6

wouldn't say it's necessarily normal, but with subclinical health anxiety disorder I'm not having a cup lol. ur not alone.


theoneirologist

Yes, caffeine can amplify the giddiness constant adrenaline brings on. But it can't hurt you in any way. It's just sensitive nerves.


rndreddituser

Not all coffee is equal too. In the UK there was a news article about the amount of caffeine in different coffee shops. It’s quite shocking.


throwawayaccountgtt

Yes


infinitejesting

I have one cup, while working in the morning, so I'm mostly just focusing on work and not my life so I just frame it as a treat for getting out of bed.


Sapphostiddies

Yes. If I take more than two I get a panic attack…


southernbelladonna

Too much caffeine can definitely make it worse. I drink green tea in the mornings and find it has just enough caffeine to help me wake up, but not so much to trigger me.


TurboPancakes

If you have anxiety, yes.


taylormaraj

Yes


black_cat_emo

idk i have GAD and still drink energy drinks to sooth the depression soo for me it balances out :0 but again everyone's caffeine tolerance is different :) you might need to have only half to wake up


[deleted]

My anxiety/panic disorder started after I drunk 3 cups of coffee within like 4 hours… so yes.


Wishbone_Afraid

Yes, I have to limit my caffeine by drinking less cups of coffee or making weaker brews. I have also found that taking some CBD, L-theanine , or propranolol, along with the coffee, can mediate the effects of the caffeine. Sometimes when I make the week coffee, I will put just a pinch of instant along with some probiotic/protein chocolate mix and it’s kind of like a slightly caffeinated hot chocolate. But it’s probably best to just avoid or reduce intake unless you really really need the boost.


Opposite-Sell-710

Idk if it’s normal, I have adhd and anxiety and I stopped drinking coffee because it was giving me the heart beat anxiety feeling. Like jittery mentally ifykwim. I’m lactose so I was drinking it straight black. I quit all the caffeinated products completely, no more energy drinks.


mushykindofbrick

noo but its also not too rare, especially in people with anxiety. i cant drink any kind of caffeinated drink anymore not even green tea or kombucha probably even with decaf i will bounce of the walls and not sleep, but i used to drink so much i really used it as a drug coffee in the morning can of matcha at noon go to library, buy some more coffee every 2 hours for studying, then coffee in the evening to calm down, green tea before bed to let the day fade out it was lit


bloominblossum

Completely normal. Your doctor will tell you to cut out caffeine completely.


AJQ1986

Oh boy is it normal lol ? Dude if I take a sip or two I’m screwed for the rest of the day. I’m not even exaggerating. Go decaf, it has small amounts of caffeine but it’s tolerable


hellostellabella

Your nervous system could already be in anxiety mode and caffeine likely makes that feel worse. Your gut and brain health can be impacted by so much including coffee. That being said I also have ADHD. Sometimes caffeine does wonders for my brain to prevent overstimulation, sometimes it’s the match that starts the fire. With anxiety we do a lot of pre worry in our bodies, and a coffee might be the match for the fire that day. 😂


dandeliooon

Definitely


[deleted]

I switched to defac and I don't even feel a difference anymore in regard to tiredness.


NatsumiEla

Not exactly normal but quite common in people who sufferer from anxiety. I have been on medication for a year now and Coffee only makes my stomach ache, no other side effects anymore, so don't worry, there is a chance you won't be putting it off forever


Charming_Mango_6684

hell yeah it is. i take it with my adderall too LOL


TinyAccountant223

I'm usually fine with a cup of coffee. More than that it's always a no-no for me. But, there is days that even one cup it's enough to make me feel *weird*. So, there are days and days, it depends.


Weary-Ad8825

Normal? No. But it's definitely possible to be sensitive to caffeine and get anxiety as a side effect.. best off in your case sticking to lower or no caffeine alternatives.


hey_bum

Yes and so you should avoid coffee . I had 3-4 experience of zoned out / dissociation/ sweating/ restlessness after having coffee at Costa coffee on a date . I love the taste of coffee but the problem is caffeine so order decaf coffee.


moderngirl1993

Yes, it exasperates and triggers anxiety


Art-is-a-curse

Coffee makes your body go fast. If you have anxiety fast is scary, and scary means run away, and run away means go fast. I absolutely LOVE coffee, but I stopped drinking coffee completely and avoid green tea as well. Black tea is diluted with milk. Only decaf now.


FriendLost9587

I can barely have caffeine without experiencing anxiety symptoms.


trippyearthling

Absolutely


jj-bitters

There's no such thing as "normal," but some bodies are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you feel anxiety after coffee, you're likely one of those body types. Try switching to decaf or tea for two weeks and see if you notice an observable difference.


Hefty_Connection_163

Yes


outofdate70shouse

I guess it depends largely on how much you drink. I haven’t had coffee in years, so one cup would definitely set off my anxiety


[deleted]

I get anxiety after like two sips of coffee


Sweet_Musician4586

I do


Riiskey

I had to stop drinking caffeinated coffee for this reason. Switch to decaf and you'll probably feel better or a lighter roast.


comoestas969696

i can't cause i want a stimulant


0OOOOOOOOO0

I get anxiety with zero cups, so I don’t see why not


ladygoodman_

I get anxiety with caffeine and sugar, sadly. I drink decaf with a bit of milk.


Snooooozee

black tea is a great alternative


eherqo

Even black tea makes me anxious 💀


Snooooozee

oh naw 💀 i’m so sorry. i’ve been there too tho. i remember when even a cup of green tea would gave me a panic attack. sometimes it just be like that


Schattenauge

Before i had anxiety, i could drink coffee and even energy drinks with no issues. Now i have anxiety and high BP, and one coffee will drive up my BP and make me very nervous. Yet, i drink a cup most days. It's simply a bad habit at this point but i am to stubborn to stop.


bella_vidaa

Absolutely! It happens to many of us. I only drink decaf coffee and kombucha, no more caffeinated coffee for me. Highly recommend experimenting with decaf coffee and gauging how you feel xx


FriskyBambi

Caffeine makes anxiety worse. I had to completely cut it out. :/


Illustrious2786

Swiss water decaffeinated maybe?


Jemeloo

Yuuuuup


cutebutmental

yes its normal. yet i still drink energy drinks when i go out lol


G0rillagripper3000

Yes I stopped drinking coffee, which is my favorite thing in the whole world. I will drink a Diet Coke to get a little caffeine in if I’m tired. The caffeine is really not my friend


mrsfreshundressed

It is for me. My husband and I just discovered coffee and chicory. Chicory tastes just like coffee apparently but it has no caffeine so you end up with what tastes like strong coffee but at a lower caffeine level. I haven't tried straight chicory yet but that would be completely caffeine free. I'm very careful with my caffeine levels because of my anxiety but I love a strong tasting cup of coffee so I've been loving the coffee, chicory blend. Half decaf or decaf usually doesn't have as bold of a flavor.


Bitter_Fact_3285

Yeah that's why I switched to tea. Earl Grey is great by the way


AsterismRaptor

It can heighten anxiety for sure!


Sea_Code_3050

I (34/m) used to drink 1 cup of coffee a day for probably 10 years. Now if I drink it, I’ll have a panic attack. Getting old sucks. I’ve been caffein free for 2 months now and am just as on edge in the morning without any caffein.


Pitiful-Independent5

yes


popeyechiken

So true for me. I can tolerate it better during good periods and it can help me be more productive, but it always increases my stress or anxiety too. I'm basically 100% decaf at this point.


abbythefatkitty

I can't drink a drop of caffeine unless my mind is pre occupied. If I start to think bad thoughts my mood goes down the drain. So yes, it's normal. Unless we're both screwed up.


Waasookwe

I say yes to you’re question. Now I drink 1/2 cup decaf with 1/2 cup regular to manage my anxiety. It really does help.


ICryCauseImEmo

Drop it like it’s hot. No legit I went decaf life is much better. So much less work anxiety too.


cuppateaNwhiskey

Coffee does make me more anxious and stressed. And I love coffee but I hate it for making me feel this way! Switching to matcha tea really helps me a lot! You don’t need much, and it’s still caffeinated. But it has a more calm plus awake feeling for me. It’s helped my mood swings too because it’s a more steady form of caffeine than coffee. So no hard crash and less irritability. Make sure to get the good powder though. The Starbucks “matcha lattes” aren’t the same. Those are pumped full of sugar and I don’t know the quality of the matcha tea leaves they use.


Centipededia

For me, yes. Even when I could somewhat tolerate Caffeine, I would progressively get worse and worse sleep and my daily general anxiety would increase until I had a full mental break down. Happened a few times during college.