Mental Health Might be the Next Pandemic: Here’s How Coffee Can Put a Stop to It

In the United States, there has been a noticeable rise in in-home coffee brewing and consumption in 2020. People are opposed to going out and prefer their coffee pouches delivered at their doorstep. There has been a 340% increase in delivery sales in the US alone, to limit the spread of germs. Nearly 50% of 18–24 year olds and 70% seniors are regular coffee drinkers, according to information released by Statista. And this could prove extremely beneficial, particularly in this year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coffee is much beyond just an energizer. It helps decrease depression risks by up to one-third. There also is plenty of evidence that coffee drinkers are less likely to be psychologically affected by crises like the pandemic than non-drinkers.

Caffeine and Depression: What You Should Know?

Coffee is capable of blocking receptors in the brain that lead to fatigue or stress-related trauma. Repeated consumption of 75mg of caffeine at 4-hour interval has been proven to improve the mood. Green coffee, in particular, sourced from the best coffee producing regions, like Colombia and Mexico, helps use the perfect beans for the perfect brew, according to experts at Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. The best green coffee is known to promote positive feelings while improving your brain functions.

In 2020, a regular intake of this rich beverage might help reduce the risk of depression. In America, over 16 million people are living with mild to moderate forms of depression and have had at least one major depressive episode in their lives. Given the dystopian world we are living in, it is paramount to keep our sanity intact. Aim at including at least 100 mg to 200 mg of coffee in your daily diet to improve alertness and elevate your mood, according to an article on Bustle. In fact, it can counter feelings of sadness while facilitating a feel good vibe.

A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that getting rid of tiredness from sleep deprivation is extremely crucial to ward off unacceptable behaviors and decisions. To prevent ethical lapses in your professional and personal lives, consider 4 cups through the day.

Coffee, Sleep and Depression: How are They Linked?

Disrupted sleep patterns are one of the initial signs of mild depression. Lack of sufficient rest has also been linked to bipolar disorder and anxiety. We all feel a little blue at times and one good way to combat it is 7–8 hours of undisturbed sleep. This helps eliminate the general feeling of sadness and can refresh your mind and body. Caffeine, very similar to the neuromodulator adenosine, slowly accumulates through the day and can induce a sense of drowsiness at night. However, if the depressive feeling does not seem to go away, consult a therapist at the earliest.

Remember, 5 cups or more can bring about agitation, headache and illogical speech, which are the effects of “coffee intoxication,” according to an article by the American Psychological Association. Therefore, although it has a wealth of benefits, try not to go overboard with the beverage. Only the right amount can help you stay focused, alleviate depression and add more years to your life.