It is also worth noting here that some anti-depressants can cause side effects such as a loss of libido or a loss of energy that in turn can impact someone's sex life. With this in mind, the medication to treat depression (although definitely worth it in my opinion, obviously depending on personal preference) can be a factor too.
Both men and women can experience difficulties initiating and enjoying sex because of depression. As many as half of people with untreated depression have symptoms of sexual dysfunction, which can include erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia, an ongoing difficulty reaching orgasm.
Stress, anxiety, guilt and low mood are common symptoms of depression. These symptoms can lead to decreased libido (the desire to have sex) and can physiologically affect your ability to become aroused, maintain arousal and reach orgasm.
If you are depressed, it can be hard to be mindful and present with your partner in the moment. Negative thoughts and feelings can prevent your body from responding physically.
Fatigue is a common symptom of depression and another impediment to sex, Dr. Kimmel says. “When you are feeling exhausted, you’re not feeling as connected, and it’s hard to be enthusiastic about your partner, who then doesn’t feel as connected to you. Lack of connection can impact intimacy as well as many components of our interactions.”
Sexual dysfunction can result in feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness, which may foster increased anxiety about sex. This leads to reduced sexual enjoyment for yourself and your partner while also contributing to symptoms of depression.
It is also worth noting here that some anti-depressants can cause side effects such as a loss of libido or a loss of energy that in turn can impact someone's sex life. With this in mind, the medication to treat depression (although definitely worth it in my opinion, obviously depending on personal preference) can be a factor too.
The Depression-Sexual Health Connection
Both men and women can experience difficulties initiating and enjoying sex because of depression. As many as half of people with untreated depression have symptoms of sexual dysfunction, which can include erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia, an ongoing difficulty reaching orgasm.
Stress, anxiety, guilt and low mood are common symptoms of depression. These symptoms can lead to decreased libido (the desire to have sex) and can physiologically affect your ability to become aroused, maintain arousal and reach orgasm.
If you are depressed, it can be hard to be mindful and present with your partner in the moment. Negative thoughts and feelings can prevent your body from responding physically.
Fatigue is a common symptom of depression and another impediment to sex, Dr. Kimmel says. “When you are feeling exhausted, you’re not feeling as connected, and it’s hard to be enthusiastic about your partner, who then doesn’t feel as connected to you. Lack of connection can impact intimacy as well as many components of our interactions.”
Sexual dysfunction can result in feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness, which may foster increased anxiety about sex. This leads to reduced sexual enjoyment for yourself and your partner while also contributing to symptoms of depression.