The Sexual Health & Mental Health Connection
Depression, anxiety, and sex aren’t things most people usually think of together, but I don’t think anybody is really surprised that there’s a relationship once they stop to think about it. The relationship between sexual health and mental health is both multifaceted and multidirectional.
What is the relationship between mental health & sexual health?
It totally stands to reason that if you’re sad, depressed, stressed, worried, or even tired, there would be a loss of interest in sex. Decreased libido, interest in sex, and difficulty with orgasm are both very common symptoms of depression, anxiety, and OCD. Additionally, stressors either triggering or resulting from mental health problems will decrease interest in sex for many folks.
Interestingly, increased libido can also be associated with anxiety, depression, and even mania. In mania, the increased libido can be a direct symptom of the disease as can risky or impulsive behavior which can be a dangerous combo for some people. In anxiety and depression though, sexual activity (partnered or solo) can be a coping mechanism, a brief reprieve from feeling crummy.
And then there’s medication!
And medications can definitely cloud the picture. The most common long term side effect of the most common medicines for anxiety, depression, and OCD is sexual side effects. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs, such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro increase serotonin in a way that can be very helpful for mood but very unhelpful for sexual health. 30-40% of individuals on these medications will experience either decreased interest in sex or difficulty with orgasm. The good news though is the for 60-70% of people, there’s no sexual side effects, and sometimes we even see improvements in sexual concerns as mood improves. Basically the same medicines can cause sexual problems and cure them depending on the person!
So what the heck to do?!?
Really this is a completely personalized decision. But options can be
Do nothing. For some people, maintaining stability in their mental health is not worth any change…and that’s okay.
Discuss adjusting medications with your psychiatric provider. Luckily, we have new medications for depression and anxiety with almost no sexual side effect and other medications that can be used with SSRIs to offset side effects which works about 50% of the time.
Education. Regardless of the cause, you can never have too much knowledge on something as important as sexual health! The books Come As You Are and She Comes First are great resources. Shelia Wray Gregoire is a fantastic author who explores sexuality and gender roles especially relevant for those who grew up with purity culture.
How can a psychiatric provider address sexual concerns?
If you’re experiencing sexual concerns particular difficulty with orgasm or decreased interest in sex, touching base with a mental health provider can help shed some light on what’s going on. Viewing sexual concerns in the larger context can help understand if it’s related to physical health, a mental health diagnosis, relational stress or something else.
If you’re already seeing a psychiatric provider, being open with them about your sexual concerns can help them better understand your current mental health and treatment response. I ask every patient about sexual concerns at every visit so it becomes routine and easier to talk about.
A good provider can explain options and collaborate on what with you to create a plan to balances your mental and sexual health on a way that feels good for you.
We Can Help: Psychiatric Care In Alabama, Idaho, and Florida
If you’re in Alabama, Idaho or Florida, we can help. At White Pine Mental Health & Wellness, we take all your concerns seriously. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss anxiety, depression, sexual health, OCD or other mental health concerns, you can view our CALENDAR, email or call (208) 391-7280.
