Caffine?

[Carolina2]

Has anyone ever tried to cut back on caffeine and did it help? I realize that I drink too much of it, particularly for someone already prone to anxiety. I tried to quit once, last summer, and did well for a while. But I don't think I was off it long enough to remember whether it had a positive effect or not.

Any experiences? I've read that stopping caffeine use can have an effect similar to meds, for people whose condition is highly exacerbated by caffeine.

 

[limelight]

I tried to stop but it didn't really help my SP much. I noticed it reduced other anxities I would feel sometimes but not the sp.

I started drinking coffee again after 2 days because the withdrawal headache was really bad.

 

[Si]

Hi.I have tried to cut out caffeine a couple of times..When I went cold turkey I initially had headaches for a couple of days before my system adjusted.The longest I managed to go for was about 4 weeks.And at the end of it I did an assessment of how I felt physically and mentally.Needless to say I got back on the caffeine and now will not give it up.But I still take it in moderation.About 5 -6 cups of coffee per day.Without caffeine I had less energy,just as many headaches as I normally get and if anything the SP was worse.Of course it still comes down to the individual, but in my case, bring me another coffee please

 

[StealThis]

I don't know if there is a caffeine connection with Social Anxiety for me.. If anything I think it helps me get through the day

 

[longlivesolitude]

I usally don't drink much coffée but lately I've been drinking some so I think I get easily effected by the caffeine. I get more anxious. Not really unpleasent, like negative thinking or like, but I can just feel in my body that I'm a bit anxious.

 

[Angie_05]

I think changing many unhealthy habits instead of just one will have a better impact on the way you feel. I've been eating healthier, cutting caffeine, working out some, and travelling. I went to the doctor yesterday and the nurse mentioned that my blood pressure was pretty low (which I guess is good, I dunno).

I used to drink 3-4 cups of coffee a day and that coincidentally was the time that my anxiety was very high. I slowly tapered off to about 1 each morning and now only 1 every few weeks when I go to Starbucks. I do feel better, but probably because of all the changes I've made lately.

 

[Snowcrash]

I have never managed to drop caffeine completely, but I DO think it adds to my anxiety. Even in fairly small doses I feel more of a generalized anxiety. Now that I think about it though, I don't think it makes me more SOCIALLY anxious. Just generally anxious. But then I have a 50 mile drive to work early every morning with my caffeine. Anxious or not, at least I haven't fallen asleep at the wheel...


Man, if there are a lot of us interested we should all try cut back on it at the same time and keep each other posted on our results. I am sure our results would vary a lot from person to person.