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The Relationship Between Mental Health, Libido and Overall Wellbeing
It’s no secret that mental health and our overall wellbeing have a strong impact on our lives. We are all aware of the close relationship between physical, mental and emotional health, but one area often overlooked is the link between physical and mental health and libido. If we don’t feel relaxed and in a good mental state, it’s likely that our sexual desire will be affected. Good mental health is increasingly being recognized as an essential part of our overall wellbeing that affects many areas of our lives – including our libido.
How Mental Health Affects Libido
The mental health conditions that can affect libido are diverse and varied, and include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). All of these conditions can cause physical, mental and emotional changes that can lead to changes in our sex drive.
Depression in particular is a well-known libido killer. It’s not only physical symptoms of depression like fatigue or difficulty sleeping that can affect libido – depression itself can drain us of our libido just as quickly.
Anxiety is another mental health condition that can have an effect on libido – the constant worrying and racing thoughts can be exhausting and overwhleming, leading to a low libido. PTSD can also have an effect on libido, as can bipolar disorder and OCD.
Improving Mental Health to Improve Libido
It’s essential to take steps towards improving mental health in order to address any changes to libido. There are a number of ways to do this, from medication and therapy to lifestyle changes.
Medication can be an important part of mental health management and can help to reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health conditions, making it easier to enjoy a satisfying sex life.
Therapy is also an important part of mental health management and can help to uncover and address the underlying issues that are affecting libido. This can include cognitive behavioural therapy, support groups and other techniques to improve mental wellbeing.
Finally, lifestyle changes can also help to improve mental health and libido. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while reducing alcohol and drug consumption can also help to improve overall mental health. Eating a balanced diet can also help to improve mental health, as can limiting the amount of time spent on screens or engaging in other activities that can drain and exhaust.
The Bottom Line
Mental health and libido are inextricably linked and taking steps towards mental health can have a huge impact on our sex drive and overall wellbeing. From getting enough sleep and exercising regularly to seeking help from professionals if needed, taking care of our mental health is essential for our libido and overall health.
