Thanks
Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist
Ohhh yes. Caffeine like any stimulant increases our arousal. Our level of arousal is directly linked to those more “active” emotions such as anxiety (stress, worry, concern, panic, anxiety), anger (irritation, frustration, annoyance, agitation) and excitement. Think here arousal being responsible for an increase to heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, sugar released into the body, adrenaline, suppression of appetite, etc.
It is not uncommon for me to see people who have a coffee and a cigarette quickly followed by an anxiety or panic attack.
I'd cut down if I were you, especially if it is interfering in your life.
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to your account or now (it's free).Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist
It isn't a simple answer - some people seem to be able to drink more caffeine than others. I seem to remember that about one in six people is particularly sensitive to caffeine. I'd let your experience be the guide here given you have noticed a pattern.
I definitely find for me that if I have a coffee and then have to do public speaking I end up more anxious than I am when I haven't had a coffee. That is the only time that I personally notice it but many people find caffeine affects them negatively!
Here is a guide to how much caffeine is in different products:
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/caffeine/
Oh and yes, as you suggest, we all get anxious and stressed - this is very very normal - unfortunately we tend to have funny beliefs about getting anxious as though it is the enemy when it is just one of many natural experiences that all humans get. Anxiety and other feelings such as sadness tend to become a problem for us when we struggle a lot to not have them - ironic hey?!?!
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to your account or now (it's free).