Sexual and mental health remain tight-lipped conversations

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A couple’s ’emotional’ relationship and their ‘sexual’ relationship are interdependent and often strongly influence each other. Thus, a healthy sexual relationship enriches the couple’s bond and can improve their quality of life. It can also help provide a sense of physical, psychological, and social well-being. However, there is a growing crisis of rising sexual dysfunctions globally, affecting around 43% of women and 31% of men.

Despite its prevalence, there is little conversation about it. Most of the time, the reasons are attributed to physical factors. However, many sexual health problems also stem from deep-seated and complex unresolved psychological fears.

Sex is not just a physical act, as sexual arousal (as well as discomfort) comes from our minds.

Our feelings, thoughts and hormones impact our sexual performance and vice versa. It is important that these issues are dealt with consistently. On World Mental Health Day (October 10), let’s start the conversation to understand the relationship between the two.

Sexual dysfunction and poor mental health.

Psychological causes are often at the root of sexual dysfunction. The issues most commonly dismissed as “bedroom problems” have a lot to do with underlying stress and mental health issues. Mental and sexual health, in fact, work as two sides of the same coin.

Unfortunately, stigma and shame cloud awareness around connection.

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, OCD, and other issues can manifest as sexual dysfunction in a variety of ways, from lack of arousal/desire, pain, and other disorders for both men and women. Sexual dysfunction has often been found to co-exist with mental health problems such as depression, significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life. Suffering from any type of mental health problem can make a person feel undesirable and unworthy of sexual attention.

The link between mental health condition and poor sexual health

The effect of different mental health conditions on general health and quality of life is well known. What they can also do is reduce intimacy, sexual confidence, and satisfaction. For example, anxiety disorders and depression are associated with sexual hesitancy, decreased arousal, erection problems, decreased sexual satisfaction, pelvic pain and discomfort, and anorgasmia (difficulty reaching orgasm). In some cases, compulsive sexual behavior (or addiction) can also be experienced in patients with mental health problems. Sexual dysfunction is also a major and bothersome side effect of certain antipsychotic and antidepressant medications. These problems require proper repair and should not be ignored. Dismissing unresolved issues or symptoms can further impose communication barriers and contribute to a vicious cycle of worsening mental and sexual health. Therefore, proper treatment by a qualified mental health professional is essential.

Sexuality is a fundamental part of mental well-being.

Sexual or mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of age and gender. With increased awareness, people have begun to feel comfortable openly discussing and destigmatizing mental health. The dialogue now needs to be expanded to include its relationship to sexual health, as it affects a person’s overall well-being.

Furthermore, since sexual and psychological dysfunction coexist, they must be treated in an integrated manner. Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and techniques such as “sensory focusing” and “touch without demand” can not only relieve psychological blocks but also help the person reconnect with their sexual feelings. There is a need to develop a sexually positive perspective and bring these topics into mainstream conversations.

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