|First of all, I would like to acknowledge that the topic of this article could be met with controversy or alternate opinions, which is totally okay! I want to encourage any reader who would like to share their constructive opinion or feedback to share in the comment section below for discussion.
With that said, let's get to the topic at hand - the mental health benefits of coffee!
We'll explore all of these questions and more throughout this article. Read on! Please note: This article does not contain healthcare or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. Mental Health Benefits of Coffee
You may have heard about the health benefits of coffee in the news or in your social media newsfeed, or even from health professionals in your own life. Did you also know there are studies that have shown that drinking coffee can protect against Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease and dementia, as well as lowered risk of heart rhythm problems, and strokes, just to name a few? Coffee may also cause positive or beneficial changes for an individuals mental health, as well.
This is great news for someone like me who drinks several cups of coffee each day! Let's explore some of the possible mental health benefits of drinking coffee. - feeling more awake & motivated - improved cognitive functioning - enhanced memory performance - increased alertness, attention, and concentration - decreased risk of depression and suicide - decreased OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) behaviours Research is still being done to find out just how effective coffee can be for improving the well-being of a regular caffeine drinker, and the variables associated with these studies vary widely and are mainly based on the frequency and number of cups an individual consumes on a daily basis. 
Photo Credit: Sweatpants & Coffee
What About the Side-Effects?
It's also important to note that coffee can have some negative side effects, as well. In fact, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders-5), which is a manual used by mental heath professionals to diagnose mental health disorders, includes caffeine withdrawal as an actual diagnosis in the latest publication.
Caffeine withdrawal is defined as: "A syndrome resulting from abrupt cessation or reduction in caffeine, following prolonged daily use." In addition, individuals with a diagnosis of anxiety, panic, or psychiatric disorder or who are particularly sensitive to caffeine may have adverse symptoms with coffee intake (depending on the dosage). It's advisable to see your doctor if you experience any negative physical or mental health symptoms after drinking coffee. 
The Verdict?
Albeit a controversial concept, after exploring some of the research on the physical and mental health benefits of coffee, it's clear to see that it can be helpful to continue drinking your morning cup of coffee but also have some potential downsides. I know for myself, the comfort and motivation I feel from regular coffee intake will keep me coming back for more!
I'm interested in hearing your point-of-view on this subject ~ how does coffee play a role in your own life? Have you noticed any mental health benefits? Share in the comments below! 
Other mental health posts:
References: www.mayoclinic.org, www.wedmd.com, www.coffeeandhealth.org
22 Comments
3/12/2020 05:53:59 pm
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed reading the other benefits from drinking coffee. Thanks for your comment, Stephanie! 3/12/2020 05:54:42 pm
Thanks for stopping by the blog, Becca! I hope you're still enjoying the benefits of coffee. 8/23/2017 09:39:14 am
You have validated my love for coffee, thank you for all of this information! 3/12/2020 05:55:26 pm
I am also a lover of coffee! Thanks for stopping by the blog, Libby. 8/23/2017 12:03:03 pm
I had no idea there were these many benefits to drinking coffee. Like many, I've only heard of a few of the negative aspects, so this is really interesting. All I know is that coffee gets my booty out of bed in the morning...I always look forward to it! It's like a hug in a mug. 3/12/2020 05:56:56 pm
Coffee can be such a great way to wake up in the morning. I'm glad you discovered even more benefits of drinking coffee from this article. 8/23/2017 10:18:54 pm
Interesting! I find it hard to go without coffee now, as I really do feel better once I've had some. Glad to hear of all these other benefits. Will be interesting to see what else comes out as we learn more about it :) 3/12/2020 06:00:23 pm
I'm glad to hear that coffee helps you to feel better. Thanks for your comment! 3/12/2020 06:01:19 pm
Coffee is such a great beverage! Thanks for dropping by the blog, Dee. 8/24/2017 10:27:47 am
I really enjoyed reading this. A lot more benefits than I thought there were. I believe everything in moderation is key so you get the benefits, but try to refrain from the downsides too. 3/12/2020 06:01:55 pm
That is very true! Most things in moderation is the key. Thanks for your comments, Krissy. 3/12/2020 06:02:35 pm
That's great to hear that coffee is such a big part of your life, Margaret. Thanks for your comment! 1/3/2018 08:29:14 am
Hi, Heather. I have written about this topic,too. I'm glad that you listed the benefits of such a great drink. I love coffee because it does good for me generally. If I drink it in the morning, it makes me motivated to start the day and reach my goals. It makes me a bit more extroverted and happier. The research I read said that, coffee increases the levels of dopamine in the brain. So it acts like a small anti-depressant. Isn't it cool? 3/12/2020 06:03:36 pm
Coffee is a very interesting beverage. I would love to read your article, too! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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