Caffeine and Anxiety, HELP

[Srm1135]

Last year around this time I had a nervous breakdown, ended up in the hospital. Next few months were hell. Lost 55lbs and didn't work for that length of time. So it's the same time this year as last year and I had my first real panic attack this morning. Yes, I'm on Effexor, Lamictal, and Xanax as needed. I have been drinking 4 red bulls a day. Could that be the cause. I've been drinking them for 3 months though.

[Chauntecler]

Caffeine was making my anxiety crazy worse. I've been off of it completely for one week and I feel much better.

Not the same for everyone, I'm sure. You could try losing the caffeine for a couple days and see how you feel.

[jessed03]

Definitely worth trialling a period without caffeine. It could well be causing your anxiety.

[gypsylee]

Caffeine is a pretty useless drug that mainly releases adrenaline. So four Red Bulls a day probably isn't a great idea with anxiety :)

I'm addicted to Coke Zero so I can't really talk but energy drinks have more caffeine. I do try not to drink any in the evening.

Good luck,
Gypsy x

[NixonRulz]

Last year around this time I had a nervous breakdown, ended up in the hospital. Next few months were hell. Lost 55lbs and didn't work for that length of time. So it's the same time this year as last year and I had my first real panic attack this morning. Yes, I'm on Effexor, Lamictal, and Xanax as needed. I have been drinking 4 red bulls a day. Could that be the cause. I've been drinking them for 3 months though.
1523

You know I love me some caffeine. I love drinking coffee

I drink it til I'm bouncing off the walls. I go outside and I can dig in the garden really really fast. I am so jacked up sometimes I'll just go digging in the neighbors yards too. Actually my neighborhood looks like a fuckin minefield with all the holes I have dug.

Caffeine gets you jittery. Ask my friend, Peter Griffin.

But when you get so jacked up on caffeine and you are anxious, that can be trouble I tell ya. Because you're anxious, you may start to think that it is more than just the caffeine that has you feeling that way

So you dwell on it a bit and get more scared. The buildup of fear causes a panic attack.

So if you have always drank caffeine, that in itself is not causing the panic. It's actually your perception of what the caffeine is doing to you is what is causing the panic.

[gypsylee]

<img src="http://anxietyforum.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1523"/>

You know I love me some caffeine. I love drinking coffee

I drink it til I'm bouncing off the walls. I go outside and I can dig in the garden really really fast. I am so jacked up sometimes I'll just go digging in the neighbors yards too. Actually my neighborhood looks like a fuckin minefield with all the holes I have dug.

Nixon you're getting confused with meth.. ;)

[raggamuffin]

I'd recommend you stop drinking that shyte. nothing really natural or good in those cans. Caffeine isn't the devil. People sometimes blame it for anxiety much like someone who has a panic attack in a shop might blame being out of the house for causing their anxiety.

Cut the processed food and drink in your diet and you'll notice improvements in general mood and anxiety. Take it from me - I ate processed nonsense for many years and when I finally cut it out of my diet I felt so much better.

There's no instant cure for anxiety, but treating your body with respect in terms of dietary consumption is a good step in healing.

Ed

[Im-Suffering]

treating your body with respect, period.



End of topic right there.

[Srm1135]

i read studies where it's been proven that excess caffein definatly causes anxiety. It directly alters the norefenefrin balance in your brain. I just wonder why after 4 months I had this bad crash.

Drank no redbull yesterday. Woke up with far less anxiety than the day before. I don't know? Is it in my head?

[forties]

i read studies where it's been proven that excess caffein definatly causes anxiety. It directly alters the norefenefrin balance in your brain. I just wonder why after 4 months I had this bad crash.

Drank no redbull yesterday. Woke up with far less anxiety than the day before. I don't know? Is it in my head?

As soon as I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder I learned that caffeine increased my already elevated adrenaline level. I stopped drinking full caf coffee straight away and only ever drink things without caffeine. Anxiety ramps up your adrenaline level above what it should be, adding caffeine to that will just make your body have to work even harder to function normally in my opinion. Once you get the caffeine out of your system it is far easier to live without than with it. Good luck

[NixonRulz]

i read studies where it's been proven that excess caffein definatly causes anxiety. It directly alters the norefenefrin balance in your brain. I just wonder why after 4 months I had this bad crash.

Drank no redbull yesterday. Woke up with far less anxiety than the day before. I don't know? Is it in my head?

Anxiety, in and of itself is all in your head

Things will make you anxious that you BELIEVE will make you anxious

[forties]

Anxiety, in and of itself is all in your head

Things will make you anxious that you BELIEVE will make you anxious

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Personally I believe that chemical imbalances in the brain are what have caused my anxiety and depression, I am responsible for managing the effects those imbalances cause. I don't take medication anymore but think that it is absolutely vital at certain times when prescribed in an appropriate manner.

Maybe I have missed the point of this site, I have to admit I don't have limitless quotes at my disposal.

[PanicCured]

I have been drinking 4 red bulls a day. Could that be the cause. I've been drinking them for 3 months though.

At some point the rational part if you has to kick in and realize 4 Red Bulls a day is not healthy and even 1 a day is terrible for someone with anxiety. I can't even believe this question is asked.

[NixonRulz]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Personally I believe that chemical imbalances in the brain are what have caused my anxiety and depression, I am responsible for managing the effects those imbalances cause. I don't take medication anymore but think that it is absolutely vital at certain times when prescribed in an appropriate manner.

Maybe I have missed the point of this site, I have to admit I don't have limitless quotes at my disposal.

My point is this. Anxiety is all in your head. Whether it is from a chemical imbalance or not. Still debate going on about that.

But anxiety is reacting to false fear or obsessing about worries

All in your head, regardless of why you have it

[PanicCured]

My point is this. Anxiety is all in your head. Whether it is from a chemical imbalance or not. Still debate going on about that.

But anxiety is reacting to false fear or obsessing about worries

All in your head, regardless of why you have it

I don't agree with this. When the brain and nervous system gets locked into a pattern and you become overly sensitized, that is a physical problem. It isn't an imaginary problem. I looked at my anxiety as a mix of actual physical problem mixed with psychological and I got past it. You are completely dismissing the physical part of the brain. You can't snap somebody out of a severe anxiety disorder. What you can do is show them the way and understanding, and they then can get themselves out of it over time. I believe the healing process to be a mix of healing the nervous system, retraining the brain new habits and dealing with the psychological aspect as well. The good thing is the body does want to heal on it's own which is called homeostasis, so part of it is allowing it to do so.

[NixonRulz]

I don't agree with this. When the brain and nervous system gets locked into a pattern and you become overly sensitized, that is a physical problem. It isn't an imaginary problem. I looked at my anxiety as a mix of actual physical problem mixed with psychological and I got past it. You are completely dismissing the physical part of the brain. You can't snap somebody out of a severe anxiety disorder. What you can do is show them the way and understanding, and they then can get themselves out of it over time. I believe the healing process to be a mix of healing the nervous system, retraining the brain new habits and dealing with the psychological aspect as well. The good thing is the body does want to heal on it's own which is called homeostasis, so part of it is allowing it to do so.

I agree with what you are saying here, but I still stand by my statement, although I could clarify a bit

I am not dismissing the physical part of the brain, but the physical part of the brain got its start by some mind related worry, event, obsession, etc... That led the mind and body down the path it is currently on.

Once you have dwelled on the thoughts and physical symptoms, the physical symptoms can still be present even when your mind may be calm, which is what I believe you are referring to. I also had this during my fun run with anxiety

But I didn't wake up with anxity symptoms one day. I slowly dveloped them in my mind until they stayed with me. Then it was the retraining you refer to that helps you eliminate the symptoms

So I do believe anxiety is all in the mind, maybe better to say the way you feel started with a seed planted in your mind and beliefs you now have

[Im-Suffering]

I agree with what you are saying here, but I still stand by my statement, although I could clarify a bit

I am not dismissing the physical part of the brain, but the physical part of the brain got its start by some mind related worry, event, obsession, etc... That led the mind and body down the path it is currently on.

Once you have dwelled on the thoughts and physical symptoms, the physical symptoms can still be present even when your mind may be calm, which is what I believe you are referring to. I also had this during my fun run with anxiety

But I didn't wake up with anxity symptoms one day. I slowly dveloped them in my mind until they stayed with me. Then it was the retraining you refer to that helps you eliminate the symptoms

So I do believe anxiety is all in the mind, maybe better to say the way you feel started with a seed planted in your mind and beliefs you now have

Well said Nixon. Namaste.

[jessed03]

I agree with what you are saying here, but I still stand by my statement, although I could clarify a bit

I am not dismissing the physical part of the brain, but the physical part of the brain got its start by some mind related worry, event, obsession, etc... That led the mind and body down the path it is currently on.

Once you have dwelled on the thoughts and physical symptoms, the physical symptoms can still be present even when your mind may be calm, which is what I believe you are referring to. I also had this during my fun run with anxiety

But I didn't wake up with anxity symptoms one day. I slowly dveloped them in my mind until they stayed with me. Then it was the retraining you refer to that helps you eliminate the symptoms

So I do believe anxiety is all in the mind, maybe better to say the way you feel started with a seed planted in your mind and beliefs you now have

Wow, great response. I have to say, you're spot on.

Guess that's why they call you the anxiety guru.

[gypsylee]

I agree with what you are saying here, but I still stand by my statement, although I could clarify a bit

I am not dismissing the physical part of the brain, but the physical part of the brain got its start by some mind related worry, event, obsession, etc... That led the mind and body down the path it is currently on.

Once you have dwelled on the thoughts and physical symptoms, the physical symptoms can still be present even when your mind may be calm, which is what I believe you are referring to. I also had this during my fun run with anxiety

But I didn't wake up with anxity symptoms one day. I slowly dveloped them in my mind until they stayed with me. Then it was the retraining you refer to that helps you eliminate the symptoms

So I do believe anxiety is all in the mind, maybe better to say the way you feel started with a seed planted in your mind and beliefs you now have

Hmm. I think the seed was planted in my mind before I was born. I also think I was born with a nervous system that overreacts to stimuli. But who knows what the relationship between all these things are? So the question of mind-body with regard to anxiety is a tricky one :)

[jessed03]

Hmm. I think the seed was planted in my mind before I was born. I also think I was born with a nervous system that overreacts to stimuli. But who knows what the relationship between all these things are? So the question of mind-body with regard to anxiety is a tricky one :)

Who dares question the guru. ;)

[gypsylee]

Who dares question the guru. ;)

The Anxiety Master ;)

[Ahlstrom]

Sorry bro, but I'd recommend you stop drinking caffeine all together. I love coffee but there's just no way it will work with some people who have anxiety disorders.

[PanicCured]

I agree with what you are saying here, but I still stand by my statement, although I could clarify a bit

I am not dismissing the physical part of the brain, but the physical part of the brain got its start by some mind related worry, event, obsession, etc... That led the mind and body down the path it is currently on.

Once you have dwelled on the thoughts and physical symptoms, the physical symptoms can still be present even when your mind may be calm, which is what I believe you are referring to. I also had this during my fun run with anxiety

But I didn't wake up with anxity symptoms one day. I slowly dveloped them in my mind until they stayed with me. Then it was the retraining you refer to that helps you eliminate the symptoms

So I do believe anxiety is all in the mind, maybe better to say the way you feel started with a seed planted in your mind and beliefs you now have

Well I do not agree with this, and your entitled to your own opinion, but however I looked at it and what I did worked for me to become 100% anxiety free. Anxiety is not all in the head, and the mind plays a huge role, but a nervous system exhaustion is a physical thing. Did it begin from mental stress? Maybe for some people while for some coupled with physical stress such as not sleeping or eating, drinking too much, etc., can also add to the problem. I looked at it as physical and mental together and it is how I treated it and it worked.

[Ponder]

I agree with what you are saying here, but I still stand by my statement, although I could clarify a bit

I am not dismissing the physical part of the brain, but the physical part of the brain got its start by some mind related worry, event, obsession, etc... That led the mind and body down the path it is currently on.

Once you have dwelled on the thoughts and physical symptoms, the physical symptoms can still be present even when your mind may be calm, which is what I believe you are referring to. I also had this during my fun run with anxiety

But I didn't wake up with anxity symptoms one day. I slowly dveloped them in my mind until they stayed with me. Then it was the retraining you refer to that helps you eliminate the symptoms

So I do believe anxiety is all in the mind, maybe better to say the way you feel started with a seed planted in your mind and beliefs you now have


Given the number of quotes this passage is receiving, it’s without a doubt full of wisdom.

Is not the need to resist and stress for one way over another playing into anxiety itself?

A question I recently asked comes to mind with regard to this thread. Is Anxiety really all that bad? and I’ll add another -> Is it not more viable to accept and live with what is as opposed to feeling the need to always alter, manipulate, change and or become something we are not?
Forgive the above – I know it probably makes no sense and shows me up for someone who’s rather bent.

I think the natural state and or birth of consciousness itself also comes to bear with regard to how I read above quote. Is what it means to me.
I tend to think more about the damage that has been done to our minds through a loss of control over time. I think Chemistry is kind of an easy path due to the ease of control we have now made it be, however the mind seems so much more allusive.

So much so that I think the trigger as I read it explained in Nixon’s quote (waves white flag and offers hand – I have no idea) can only be resolved using the mind more so than a limiting vessel.

Of course knowing the limits and how the mind and body work together is beneficial, but I again think we concentrate too much on the chemical process and not enough on the mind. What we don’t understand presents new challenges which makes us then face, those things we thought, we had overcome. Much easier to go with what we know … it why we are all in such a rut. Nothing is as it seems.

My current perception and goal outside this reality is to let go of fear itself – OBE is turning out to be quite a tool with regard to much of this. Perception is everything and currently with what we are taught on this plain … I think the link to the mind needs way more exploration than it currently gets from any text book on offer today.

[Ponder]

Sorry bro, but I'd recommend you stop drinking caffeine all together. I love coffee but there's just no way it will work with some people who have anxiety disorders.

I find I can control coffee much better than alcohol and most other drugs. In that sense, I find it much less of a danger for me.

Speeding up my vibe sometimes stop me from falling down rather deep holes. But then falling down deep holes is not as bad as it seems :)

It's just about how much and when.

is how it works for me.

I think I have had enough for now. :)

[NixonRulz]

Well I do not agree with this, and your entitled to your own opinion, but however I looked at it and what I did worked for me to become 100% anxiety free. Anxiety is not all in the head, and the mind plays a huge role, but a nervous system exhaustion is a physical thing. Did it begin from mental stress? Maybe for some people while for some coupled with physical stress such as not sleeping or eating, drinking too much, etc., can also add to the problem. I looked at it as physical and mental together and it is how I treated it and it worked.

Then why exactly do you believe you developed an anxiety disorder? So you agree then at least it was part of the mind? I just think the mental brings on the physical. Not the other way around

I think we are splitting hairs here

[Goomba]

Given the number of quotes this passage is receiving, it’s without a doubt full of wisdom. Is not the need to resist and stress for one way over another playing into anxiety itself? A question I recently asked comes to mind with regard to this thread. Is Anxiety really all that bad? and I’ll add another -> Is it not more viable to accept and live with what is as opposed to feeling the need to always alter, manipulate, change and or become something we are not? Forgive the above – I know it probably makes no sense and shows me up for someone who’s rather bent. I think the natural state and or birth of consciousness itself also comes to bear with regard to how I read above quote. Is what it means to me. I tend to think more about the damage that has been done to our minds through a loss of control over time. I think Chemistry is kind of an easy path due to the ease of control we have now made it be, however the mind seems so much more allusive. So much so that I think the trigger as I read it explained in Nixon’s quote (waves white flag and offers hand – I have no idea) can only be resolved using the mind more so than a limiting vessel. Of course knowing the limits and how the mind and body work together is beneficial, but I again think we concentrate too much on the chemical process and not enough on the mind. What we don’t understand presents new challenges which makes us then face, those things we thought, we had overcome. Much easier to go with what we know … it why we are all in such a rut. Nothing is as it seems. My current perception and goal outside this reality is to let go of fear itself – OBE is turning out to be quite a tool with regard to much of this. Perception is everything and currently with what we are taught on this plain … I think the link to the mind needs way more exploration than it currently gets from any text book on offer today.

That's the thing!

A certain amount of anxiety IS healthy. It keeps you moving forward.

It's only a problem when it begins to negatively impact your daily life (Generally speaking, of course).

Sometimes trying to fight it can just lead to unintentionally giving in to it. That need to be in control is a brutal process, and cuts deep.

I agree that accepting that it exists is a more beneficial approach. It's just a matter of not living it.

[Loyd]

yes it can make it worse