Mental Health And Sexuality: Is There Any Link Between These Two?
Sexuality and mental health are two of the most ignored social stigmas.
Americans have always been close-lipped about sex and mental health. And when these two come out in the same conversation, cringed faces are pretty common to witness.
Studies reveal that mental health and individual sexuality are indeed interlinked.
For example, patients suffering from anxiety disorders often complain of libido and experience pain during sexual intercourse.
This article will undertake some of the common mental conditions and how they can affect individual sexuality. Further, we’d also be discussing the treatment options that the patients can opt for.
Sex And Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the main factors contributing to erectile dysfunction in males.
However, studies reveal that anxiety is not the root cause, but rather it is arousal non-concordance.
Arousal Non-Concordance: It is a condition when body and mind are not in sync during sex. The state is shared by both men and women.
Several studies confirm that self-consciousness and stress often interfere with sexual performance.
The symptoms are often associated with anxiety disorder.
How to Cope
Therapists often recommend a sensate focus technique to help patients reconnect with their sensual and sexual feelings.
The technique involves non-demand touching without expecting any outcome. Experts opine that the method helps reacquaint patients with their bodies.
Sex And Depression
Another mental condition that can cause a host of sexual issues is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Depression is known to interfere with desires and sensualities in people.
Studies reveal that MDD can cause impotence and erectile dysfunction in men. While in women, it can increase the risk of dyspareunia (pain during sex) by three times.
How to Cope
Patients struggling with depression are suggested to discuss their condition with their doctor.
Apart from this, many therapists also suggest opening up to lifestyle desires and talking about them with the partner. Even if the passions involve wanting to get a bigger penis with a Jes Extender or fetish or fantasy games.
However, at the same time, doctors also recommend maintaining hygiene. For instance, equilike whizzinator might help with some of the desires hygienically. And it goes both ways – for men and women alike.
Sex And PTSD
Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting psychological consequences.
Indeed, studies show that people who have had a traumatic experience in their childhood are less likely to have satisfying sex lives in their adulthood.
The condition is commonly known as “post-sex blues” or postcoital dysphoria (PCD). A few other studies on PCD help establish a link between having a history of abuse and lack of sexual desires in both men and women.
How to Cope
The best possible treatment for people suffering from post-sex blues is “aftercare.”
It is the time that a couple can devote to cuddling, talking, and caring for each other after sex.
In short, it helps both partners ease in the company of each other and establish a more sensual bond.
To sum it up…
Mental conditions indeed have an effect on sexuality. While some people may feel detached altogether, others may feel flashes of fear.
The best therapy to cope up with these symptoms is talking and opening up with the partner. After all, the partners are the sole carer for their relationship.
