Welcome to sexy ways
Welcome to sexy ways
Journalist Steph Auteri, who covers sexuality topics and personally deals with chronic depression and anxiety, teams up with sex therapy specialist and psychotherapist Renée Burwell to examine the intersection of mental and sexual health. They aim to help individuals optimize their well-being in the face of challenges that mental health issues can pose to one's sex life.
Scientific research has established a clear link between mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions and their sexual side effects. These can include a reduced sex drive, difficulties with orgasm, and avoidance of intimacy. Not only do the conditions themselves have an impact, but medications for these mental health issues can also affect sexual arousal and desire.
Communication with healthcare providers is crucial, as sexual health is often overlooked in medical care. Advocating for oneself and seeking knowledgeable providers can lead to better treatment options. Similarly, communicating with one's partner is key to managing misunderstandings and finding shared solutions. Additionally, redefining sex to include a broader range of pleasurable experiences and prioritizing sexual health as part of overall self-care can help maintain a satisfying intimate life despite mental health challenges.
Being open to new ways of experiencing pleasure and intimacy can help navigate the changes in one's sexual life due to mental health issues. It's essential to understand that pleasure can look different for everyone and can change over time. Mental health should not define one's ability to enjoy sex.
Just as we maintain other self-care practices, it's important to prioritize sexual health. Having 'good enough sex' more frequently can be more beneficial than pressuring oneself for perfection, which can lead to further anxiety. Mental health struggles do not have to spell the end of a satisfying sex life; it may just require adaptability and creativity.