The impact of mental health on sexual health and functioning
Ever feel like talking about your sexual health with professionals isn’t prioritized? Unfortunately, when seeking support for mental health, sometimes questions around your sexual health and functioning can be left out or dodged. That’s why seeing a psychosexual therapist can be beneficial in not just addressing your mental health, but also your sexual health.
The relationship between mental health and sexual health is complex. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma and stress can profoundly impact sexual functioning and satisfaction. Research has found that psychological distress and mental disorders have direct and indirect impacts on sexual satisfaction, desire and behaviour. This includes sexual function concerns such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginismus, performance anxiety, anorgasmia, delayed ejaculation, and more. You can see how this could become a vicious cycle of mental health influencing sexual function, in turn, impacting mental health (just to make matters worse).
In addition to impacting individuals, mental health can also affect relationship satisfaction and intimacy. Mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, can lead to emotional withdrawal, lack of communication, and a decreased desire to engage in sexual intimacy. Relationship stress caused by mental health issues can lead to feelings of disconnection, in turn, affecting sexual satisfaction. This is why addressing your mental health, sexual or relational challenges with a psychosexual therapist is an important step in gaining strategies for supporting your concerns.
You might be thinking, “Okay, but what will help?”. This is where the support of a psychosexual therapist is integral. Sex therapists have the skills to use evidence-based therapeutic interventions to manage your mental health, as well as your sexual health. Sex therapists will support you in finding the root causes of your sexual dysfunction, and can support your mental health through psychotherapy. Sex therapists use a biopsychosocial approach to therapy, identifying the ways that your medical, social and psychological history may be impacting your mental and sexual health, and use this information to inform treatment. If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction in a relationship, it’s recommended you seek couples counselling to improve communication and intimacy.
The impact of mental health on sexual functioning and satisfaction is undeniable. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma can interfere with sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, often contributing to relationship challenges. However, hope is not lost! Addressing mental health and seeking professional support can help you restore your sexual well-being and overcome relationship challenges.
If you need support, please book a session by contacting me.