Good mental well-being can influence several aspects of your life, including sexual health. In turn, healthy sexual behaviors can improve your mental health. Knowing how these two components of your life impact each other help you get a better understanding of which behaviors or attitudes could harm your overall well-being. Here’s an overview of the connections between mental and sexual health.
How mental health can affect your sexual health
Your overall mental well-being can positively or negatively impact your sexual health. Ultimately, your feelings, whether good or bad, play a significant role in intimacy, sexual arousal and satisfaction. Here can be some negative impacts of mental illness on sexual functioning.
Sexual dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is any issue that can prevent someone from experiencing sexual arousal. Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve orgasms, painful intercourse, and delayed or absent orgasm are examples of sexual dysfunction.
Risky sexual behaviors
People with severe mental health disorders are more likely to partake in high-risk sexual activities, like not using contraceptives.
Medications
Antidepressants, which are used to treat major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, have been shown to decrease libido and sexual arousal.
Mental health can also have positive effects on your sexual health. If you are mentally well, you’re likely to make better decisions when engaging in sexual activities. The benefits of good mental health include displaying healthy forms of intimacy, building meaningful relationships and strengthening your sexual self-confidence and self-esteem.
The possible effects of mental health disorders on your sexual health
Many mental health disorders and their associated treatment methods are known for increasing chances of sexual dysfunction, causing low self-confidence, and other factors. If you believe your mental health affects your sexual well-being, please speak with a professional. Mental health professionals can provide you with the support necessary to address the harmful effects of your mental health disorder.
Below, find some common mental health conditions and their potential impact on your sexual health.
Anxiety
Increased stress levels can affect sexual desire for people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can impair sexual arousal, leading to ED, pain and vaginal dryness. On the contrary, anxiety and stress can also increase sex drive, as some find comfort and safety in physical intimacy with their partner(s).
Depression
Having a major depressive disorder can interrupt chemicals that play a role in increasing sexual arousal and blood flow to sexual organs. When these sex-related chemicals are imbalanced, it can lower sexual desire and feelings of pleasure.
Depression can bring about sexual problems such as:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Orgasm challenges
- Low energy levels
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Lack of interest in hobbies or activities
- Inability to experience sexual arousal
As mentioned prior, certain medications to treat major depressive disorders, such as antidepressants, can impact sex drive and cause difficulties when trying to get aroused and have an orgasm.
PTSD
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at an increased risk of developing one or more sexual difficulties. A study on veterans and military members diagnosed with PTSD revealed that there was a strong relationship between mental health disorder and sexual distresses. In addition, it has been shown that hypersexuality can be a sex-related symptom of PTSD.
Addiction
Substance use disorder is commonly associated with sexual dysfunction. Many use alcohol or other substances to increase sexual arousal and functioning, which may further encourage substance abuse.
ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention, can negatively affect sexual well-being. In fact, ADHD can be connected to hypersexuality.
Bipolar Disorder
During mania, people with bipolar disorder may experience hypersexuality. There is also the potential of an increase in risky sexual behaviors, which can include having sex with strangers or not using proper protection. Alternatively, depressive episodes may decrease libido.
How sexual health and trauma can affect your mental health
Just as mental health can impact your sexual health, your sex life can positively or negatively affect your mental health. Sexual health can encompass many forms of intimacy, such as hugging or having trust in someone. With this in mind, different forms of healthy intimacy can help improve your overall mental health.
The positive benefits of sexual health on mental health may include:
- Reduced stress levels
- Decreased feelings of depression and anxiety
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased libido
Unfortunately, some negative impacts on sexual health can cause long-term damage to your mental health. Experiencing sexual trauma can have psychological, emotional and physical effects on someone. Some symptoms of sexual trauma can include:
- Depression
- Flashbacks
- PTSD
- Self-harm
- Sleeping problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Eating disorders
- Panic attacks
- Substance abuse
- Suicide
- Suicidal thoughts and threats
The relationship between sexual orientation and mental health
People who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are at a heightened risk of worsened mental health outcomes and lower well-being than their heterosexual peers. The LGBTQ+ community can face several challenges that can affect their mental health.
The difficulties someone identifying as LGBTQ+ may face that can impact their mental health include:
- Personal, family and social acceptance of sexual orientation
- Threats or harassment
- Being denied healthcare
- Fewer employment opportunities
- Access to healthcare services
These factors can take a toll on their mental health, causing symptoms including:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Suicide
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance abuse
Resources for people struggling with mental or sexual health
At some point in everyone’s lives, they can face challenges with their mental and sexual health. If you believe that you’re experiencing struggles with your mental and sexual well-being, it might be time to talk to a medical professional. Your doctor can be a resource by providing the initial screening and counseling before prescribing medication or referring you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist.