Could this be a mental illness?

This thought has been creeping up on me for the last eight months, but it has recently (last two weeks) dominated my thoughts to the point where I can barely work. I think that I'm either stuck in a thought loop (and that is the thought loop, that over and over,) or that I could have a mental illness of thinking that a could have a mental illness (i just think that over and over.) I can't seem to break the loops and they have gone on for over six hours. Caffeine seems to break the loops, but I can't seem to think of why a stimulant would slow my thoughts down.

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section, I'm new here and couldn't find one that fit it. Thanks.

Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause jitteriness and racing thoughts. Meditation can help. It would be wise to speak to a doctor about this to rule out other causes that may or may not be psychiatric, eg thyroid problems etc.

Hi there.
Something you might find helpful....a mental illness is not a death sentence. Many are recoverable with proper care. If something is weighing on you to that point that normal activities in life are very hard, then I suggest start with talking to someone. Maybe your family Doc? And maybe here!
Caffeine might also be that you are treating yourself. Why do you think people smoke? It isnt just that the smoke is relaxing. It is also because it is an excuse to take a break from life, reflect and feel comfortable. It becomes like a silent best friend. The same could be true for coffee in your case.
Do you give yourself a break now and then? A chance to relax? Is this normally when you have a cup of Coffee? Just a thought, maybe I am way off, but the more you share here, the more support you will have here. So share all you like ok? Feel welcome here.
With a hug
One