Caffeine only provides a temporary boost to the nervous system. As a result, people with depression may experience a more severe drop in their mood once the effects of the stimulant wear off. People with depression should only consume caffeine in moderation.
Caffeine can cause sleep problems that affect mood.
Some people need to limit caffeine to the morning or quit drinking caffeinated beverages completely to avoid sleep problems. Also, anxiety and depression often occur together, and caffeine can worsen anxiety.
Moderate caffeine consumption – defined as 300 to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day or about 3 to 4 cups of coffee – can offer some obvious benefits, particularly for people who need help with alertness and concentration and people who have some mild forms of sadness.
There are effective treatments for depression, including medications (such as antidepressants), along with talk therapy. Most people do best by using both.
Having a regular mental healthcare provider, however, is one of the most important things you can do to beat depression. Long-term strategies for managing depression often include psychotherapy (also called talk therapy), medication, or both.
Reduced anxiety and stress: Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and stress in some people. By quitting caffeine, you may find that you feel calmer and more relaxed, which can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Caffeine has also been shown to exacerbate anxiety disorders and can potentially trigger a manic episode in someone with bipolar disorder.
Caffeine has also been shown to increase serotonin levels in the limbic system, a relatively primitive part of our brain involved in regulating basic functions such as hormonal secretions, emotional responses, mood regulation and pain/pleasure sensations.
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and acts as an antidepressant by elevating serotonin and dopamine. It's even been shown in the Archives of Internal Medicine to lower suicide rates.
But, drinking coffee can make anxiety symptoms worse. Research shows that in people with panic disorder, caffeine consumption raises the risk of having a panic attack and increases levels of anxiety. People with anxiety should consider avoiding or limiting coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
Quitting caffeine can reduce anxiety levels
This releases hormones that can increase anxiety and nervousness, spikes the heart rate, cause palpitations, and can even induce panic attacks. This is even worse for those of us more prone to suffering from stress and anxiety. It can make symptoms a lot worse.
Your Overall Mood Levels Will Increase
Many people who quit caffeine find that the boost they experience in their sleep quality results in them feeling happier and more energized.
While it's generally best not to drink at all if you're depressed, ask your doctor. If you have depression: You may be at risk of alcohol abuse.
In addition, research suggests that caffeine causes increased turnover of several feel-good neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline — all of which are involved in depression. These effects may also help explain why caffeine acts as a mild antidepressant for many people.
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can boost mood and energy levels. The caffeine in coffee works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to feelings of happiness and euphoria.
Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it's not ideal for promoting quality sleep. Removing it from your day keeps cortisol and melatonin at their natural rhythms, which results in better sleep and less fatigue.
There's no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.
Depression is about 50% more common among women than among men. Worldwide, more than 10% of pregnant women and women who have just given birth experience depression (2). More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year.