How Quitting Caffeine Transformed My Anxiety And Well-Being

In August 2017, I faced a challenging period in my life. I was struggling with severe anxiety which culminated in a panic attack. This led me to seek help from a therapist for a few months. Anxiety can be overwhelming, and I found myself losing my appetite and ruminating excessively. Health-related fears consumed my thoughts for days or even weeks, and I experienced debilitating acid reflux that lasted for weeks. My anxiety was so overwhelming that I often found myself dissociating.

After consulting with a healthcare professional, I received a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I learned that individuals with GERD often experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. This revelation opened my eyes to the ways in which my mental and physical health were interconnected. I was informed that my daily coffee consumption was likely exacerbating my acid reflux. As a result, I decided to give up caffeine as an experiment to see if it could alleviate my anxiety symptoms. Prior to this decision, I was accustomed to having one cup of coffee each day, along with several cups of black tea, a habit I had maintained since I was 12 years old. The thought of quitting was daunting, and I was unsure of how I would feel without my usual caffeine intake.

How My Body Reacted to Quitting Caffeine

On the first day without caffeine, I didn't notice any significant changes. However, things took a turn for the worse on the second day as I experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including headaches and a lack of energy. It felt as though I was a zombie, lying on the couch the entire day; it was a truly distressing experience. Thankfully, by the third day, I started to feel somewhat normal again. Over the next few days, my energy levels improved significantly.

Previously, I would often feel drained and lethargic around 3:00 p.m. due to the familiar energy dip, but as the days progressed, my energy became more balanced. Initially, I didn't notice any substantial changes in my anxiety levels, but over time, I realized that my underlying anxiety had significantly decreased. It became clear to me just how susceptible I was to caffeine and its effects on my mental health.

Exploring Alternative Beverages

In the months following my decision to quit caffeine, I made several lifestyle changes that further supported my mental health. I began exercising regularly and prioritized getting a good night's sleep. This combination of positive habits proved to be incredibly beneficial. After quitting caffeine, I found that I had no desire to return to my old habits of drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages. In fact, a few months after quitting, I accidentally took a sip from my husband’s tea cup, only to find it utterly unappealing. I realized then just how much I had changed.

One of my favorite caffeine-free alternatives became vanilla rooibos tea. I enjoy it in the morning as a comforting routine, and I love that I can also drink it at night since it contains no caffeine. Sometimes, I add a calorie-free sweetener, making it a delightful treat. The transition to rooibos tea has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to enjoy a warm beverage without the negative side effects that caffeine brought into my life.

The Unexpected Effects of Accidental Caffeine Consumption

In January 2019, a year after I quit caffeine, I found myself in Canada with my husband and friends. We visited a popular tea shop where we bought a packet of decaf caramel coffee. Upon returning to our apartment, I brewed a cup, thinking it was safe to enjoy. However, later that night, I felt incredibly jittery and craved sugar like never before.

I made an unusual decision to leave the apartment at 9:00 p.m. to buy a doughnut, something I wouldn’t typically do. When I returned and looked at the packet, I realized that I had mistakenly brewed caffeinated coffee instead of decaf. I was shocked by how much of an effect caffeine had on me after a year of abstaining. My husband and friends remarked, “There you go, it explains why you couldn't relax and why you were craving sugar!”

Despite this unexpected setback, I felt grateful for the clarity it brought. It reinforced my decision to quit caffeine, and I found comfort knowing that my nervous system felt calmer. Although the transition took some adjustment, I was fortunate to have found a satisfying alternative in warm, caffeine-free beverages.

For anyone dealing with severe anxiety, you may know how debilitating it can be. If something as simple as giving up caffeine can make a difference, I hope my experience can help others find relief.

Jess Van Den is a self-employed silversmith. She opened an Etsy shop in 2008 and is the founder of Create & Thrive and the Thriver Circle, where she teaches fellow makers how to turn their handmade hobby into a business.