Mental health challenges are normal. Life presents us with all sorts of challenges and it’s likely that, at some point, our mental health may be one of them. If depression has presented itself in your life, you know its effects can be far-reaching. Globally, rates of depression are greater than ever. It is one of the leading causes of disability and is incredibly common. In response to this increase, antidepressants as well as other treatments are also on the rise. Finding what is right for you might look like seeing a therapist, practicing daily meditation, adopting a regular exercise routine, or it might entail seeing a psychiatrist and finding the right medication.
How Depression Can Affect Sex
The largest sex organ in the body is the brain. Mental health is vital to sexual health, and if you struggle with one, you may also be struggling with the other. How you choose to take care of your mental health, sexual health, and your health in general is a very personal decision. Whether or not your treatment is prescriptive, depression and antidepressants can both change how you engage with your sexuality.
Some of the possible effects of depression on sex:
- Loss of desire for sex
- Vaginal dryness
- Erectile disappointment
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Checking out sexually / difficulty staying present and connected.
Finding the right treatment for your depression can alleviate these symptoms. The flipside of antidepressants is that they can sometimes cause new difficulties which can feel frustrating at times.
Most commonly, doctors prescribe SSRIs for depression treatment. Here are some of the most common names:
- Celexa
- Zoloft
- Prozac
- Desyrel
- Lexapro
- Paxil
- Effexor
Coping with Potential Side Effects
If you’re noticing negative side effects from your antidepressants, talk to your doctor but also to your partner about what you’re experiencing. Addressing the struggle so that you feel heard and understood is the first step in managing these side effects. When you talk with your partner about your struggles, it will help clarify what’s happening and help alleviate potential feelings of responsibility or guilt. Discussing sexual frustrations may feel intimidating at first, but your honesty and vulnerability will only serve to bolster your secure relationship foundation. Work through these issues together as a team, avoid blaming yourself or your partner, and ask for help when you need it.
Doctors will often have ideas for mitigating any frustrations that arise from antidepressants. Give your body time to adjust. You might find that sexual frustrations subside as your body gets used to the new medication. Depending on the drug, your doctor may recommend skipping a day or so when you know you will be sexualy active. This doesn’t work with every type of SSRI, but it might work with yours, so it’s helpful to inquire.
You might find yourself weighing up the pros and cons of your antidepressant. For example, if you feel generally better, is it worth a reduced libido? For some, it might be, for others, it might not. What are you personally comfortable with? If you are adjusting to your body’s potentially new normal, here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your perspective positive:
- Focus on pleasure, connection, and what feels good.
- Sex does not have to progress linearly
- If it’s difficult to sustain an erection, explore other things that feel good sensually and sexually.
- Orgasms don’t need to be the goal or the stopping point of sex.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative medicine offers a wide variety of treatments for depression and for libido. If you find that your symptoms are not being adequately treated, you might consult with your doctor or therapist on alternative self care methods and supplements. Remember that when you’re dealing with your health, it is important to have the support and expertise of a professional to guide you.
Here is a short list of options that you can try with the guidance of your healthcare provider:
- Studies have shown promising results with the supplement horny goat weed to increase sex drive and alleviate erectile issues.
- Maca is a supplement from a Peruvian root vegetable that is in early stages of research. In randomized studies, it has shown to regulate hormones and increase libido when taken consistently for 6 weeks.
- Tongkat Ali has been shown to increase testosterone levels and thus potentially can help with both libido and erectile issues.
- Panax Ginseng is another herbal remedy for sexual function and overall well-being. It has been shown to improve sexual stamina, erections, as well as overall sexual satisfaction.
- Seeing a Naturopath, Integrative Medicine Doctor, Chinese medicine practitioner, acupuncturist or ayurvedic practitioner, might also help provide more options along your path to sexual well-being.
- A healthy balanced anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise has also shown to benefit sexual health all around!
As you take care of your overall health, mental health and sexual health, whatever that may look like for you, remember there are many options available to improve your sexual satisfaction. If you need help finding creative solutions, I’m here.