Our mental well-being significantly influences our sexuality and has a major influence on our sexual relationships. This includes our desires and how we want them satisfied, which is why it’s critical for people to familiarise themselves with the intricate relationship between mental health and sexuality.
People often overlook mental health when building intimate relationships, despite mental having such a huge impact on one’s sexuality.
- The mind-body connection
- How mental health issues affect sexuality
- How medications can affect one’s sex life
- The importance of communication and self-care
- The takeaway
So, with Mental Health Awareness Week around the corner, let’s take a closer look at how a person’s mental well-being is tied to their sexuality and how to navigate the intricacies of building a sexual relationship while also prioritising mental health.
Read on to learn more.
The mind-body connection
It’s easy to forget that sexuality is holistic in nature. While the most obvious sensations are physical, sexuality is much more than that. Sexual experiences are as closely linked to a person’s mental state and emotions just as much as the physical aspect of sexuality.
Every single thing we do is done with our brain. Our brain is responsible for sending the impulses and signals that tell our body what we want sexually. This includes preferences, sexual needs, as well as our relationships with our intimate partners.
This is why one’s mental health can have such an immense impact on their sexual relationships and needs. Generally, positive mental states enhance sexual experiences and connections, leading to a healthier sex life overall. On the flip side, a negative mental state may lead to decreased libido, arousal difficulties, and overall satisfaction.
Since the mind and body are connected in such a way, it’s important to prioritise and pay attention to mental health, especially how it connects to your sexual experiences.
Looking at sexuality in this holistic way gives people a much better idea of what they’re feeling and why they’re feeling a certain way. It also allows you to explore different approaches and techniques to satisfy yourself and your partner more.
How mental health issues affect sexuality
To paint a clearer picture of the way mental health directly impacts sexuality and desire, let’s look at clear examples of mental health issues and their effect on sexuality. Here are some examples that you or people in your life may have encountered.
Anxiety and libido
Many adults deal with anxiety. In the United States alone, over 30% of adults experience anxiety. So, there’s a decent chance that you or people you know have anxiety that affects their sex life and overall sexuality.
People with anxiety deal with higher stress levels than those without. Stress can lead to decreased libido, difficulty getting aroused, and lower sexual satisfaction. This is why those with anxiety may have less fulfilling sex lives and a different relationship with their sexuality.
This is why people struggling with their sex life because of anxiety are advised to look at different stress management techniques to lower their stress levels. Lowering stress levels can decrease anxiety and can also lead to an increased libido and a more satisfying sex life overall.
Depression and sexual interest
Another clear example of the link between mental health and sexual desire can be seen in depression. Those struggling with depression may have a decreased interest in sex and a lower libido overall. This is because depression can take a major toll on the mind and body, affecting various aspects of a person’s life.
If you or a person you know is struggling with depression, they may seek help from a psychologist or therapist who can offer counseling. Depression is a complex mental disorder, which is why it has such profound effects on a person’s sexuality.
Body image issues and self-confidence
A person’s body image can have a major effect on their life as well. Those with a negative body image have lower self-confidence, which can get in the way of their arousal and satisfaction in the bedroom. In fact, people with a negative body image may have little to no interest in sex at all. This may be because they are not comfortable with how their body feels and may hesitate to reveal themselves to their partner.
Learning to love your own body and fostering a culture of body positivity is quite difficult, as this is a problem that stretches far beyond one’s personal life. However, working on your own self-confidence and learning to appreciate your body in all its forms is a great step in achieving sexual satisfaction.
How medications can affect one’s sex life
Aside from mental health issues affecting a person’s sex life, medication can also impact sexuality as well. For example, there are certain anti-anxiety medications that may affect the libido. Since many anxiety medications provide a sense of calm to the person taking it, the calmness and stillness may actually cause them to have a decreased interest in sex.
This is why it’s always important to ask medical professionals about the potential side effects of the medication you’re taking. That way, you can prepare yourself for these side effects and have a plan for managing them when they manifest.
The importance of communication and self-care
To achieve sexual satisfaction, one must practice self-care and communicate their feelings with their partner. Providing a safe space for your sexual partner and having a safe space for yourself is key in building intimate relationships and understanding each other’s sexual needs.
When partners have a safe space for sharing feelings and thoughts, it will be much easier to understand what they’re going through and how it’s affecting their sexual desire. From there, partners can work together to find the best path forward and determine what they need to do.
On top of that, practising self-care is also crucial for personal mental health. Again, mental health and sexuality are closely linked, so working on your own mental health is an indirect but effective way of improving sexual satisfaction.
The takeaway
There’s a complex relationship between mental health and sexuality. However, it’s important to understand this connection deeply to be able to handle mental health issues and their impact on your sex life.
