Using coffee as an anti depressant?

[Sandra1984]

Hi lovely people,

I've suffered from depression in my past (I believe there's some childhood trauma and neglect that hasn't been resolved) and it's a condition that sometimes pop it's ugly head, usually in winters, in the mornings when I wake up or when I get my period (oestrogen levels plummeting). I believe I may have some sort of problem with my dopamine levels. I was on citalopram five years ago when I went through a proper clinical depression, after one year I got out of it as the side effects were nasty. I haven't taken any medication in 5 years and substituted coffee and exercise for any SSRI. I take strong 2 coffees a day and that keeps me going, when I don't take coffee I sink into a "hole of despair", so I really need that black liquid gold to keep up my dopamine levels high.

I wonder if anyone else is a caffeine addict (lol) and takes it to treat depression? I also wonder if it's healthy and there's anything I can do about it? Expressos are almost 3 pounds in my area so is quite an expensive habit.

Any mental health professionals out there?
Many thanks,
Sandra

if it helps you and you are not using caffeine to excess, what is the harm? Decent coffee is one of my main perks. I would suggest decaff though, as caffeine isn't particularly good for you. Also, get a cheap coffee machine and make it for yourself at home - unless the "perk" for you is being out and about to get it- in which case, try a cheap herbal tea for a fraction of the price

Decaf wouldn’t have the same effect, though?

I can’t see that this is a problem! I would say you were using it in moderation. I agree that if you buy your own machine you might save money in the long run, though!

I like a milky coffee every now and then but coffee makes me really irritable if I have too much. Shame!

decaff might have the same effect, or might not, it is worth trying. I use decaff some of the time

If it works for you . I can’t see the harm. My antidepressant is chocolate . Can’t go without it .