Anyone who’s ever experienced major depression knows that it can have a huge impact on your libido. Even if you’re just upset or in a bad mood, those feelings can take the wind out of your sails and leave you completely uninterested.
Women outnumber men when it comes to depression diagnoses. The American Psychological Association reports that twice as many women suffer from depression as men, which explains why “depression has been called the most significant mental health risk for women.”
Depression is also a primary cause of sexual dysfunction; a study done by Harvard Medical School revealed that “depressed men are twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction as those who aren't depressed.” Because there are even more women who are depressed than men, one can only imagine the widespread affect of this condition on women's sex drives.
The treatment of depression often necessitates a combined rehabilitative schedule of medication and therapy, and 70% of American prescriptions for anti-depressants go to women. Unfortunately, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also affect the ability to become aroused and achieve orgasm. It's a double whammy!
This means that when women utilize these medications to treat depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a host of other debilitating conditions, they basically have to choose their mental health over their sex life. While it is a clear choice in the end, it is still difficult for some women to discuss this side effect with their doctors for fear of not being taken seriously. After all, if you have to choose between being happy in life and having great orgasms, there's really no contest, right? Why should women recovering from depression have any reason to complain?
Well, I would venture, for the same reason that men take Viagra. Nobody tells men suffering from erectile dysfunction to just be grateful that they’re happy and well; for the male population, the ability to engage in sexual relations until the day they die is nothing less than a God-given right.
Some women undergoing treatment for depression turn to promiscuous behaviors in order to receive extra attention and validation. However, this should not be understood as a solution to the problem of sexual pleasure, as casual encounters are often focused on the male's needs.
To have a better sex life AND aid in your recovery, either masturbation or monogamous relations are usually best. It's important to focus on what you want and what will make you feel good in bed. Feel free to fantasize and engage in the playful side of your sexuality. While actually acting on your fantasies may not be wise at this time, harmless daydreaming can allow your libido to flourish in a low-pressure, natural way.
If you are currently not being treated for your low mood or these tactics don't work for you, I urge you to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. They are highly trained in the biological functions of the brain and the way that psychotropic medications affect the body. Utilize this resource as much as you can...and don't stop until you get an answer!
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Shaina Gaul is a feminist and freelance writer living in Iowa. View more of her writing at http://www.couchSpud.net.