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Can Poor Mental Health Cause Low Libido in Men?

Juie Acharya

5 Min Read

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Diminished sexual desire is characterized by a reduction in a person’s interest or desire for sexual activity. It may involve a decrease in the frequency of sexual thoughts, fantasies, or urges. It causes distress or dissatisfaction and can lead to challenges in an intimate relationship. Lack of sexual desire or low libido can affect both men and women. Since every individual is unique, sexual desire amongst different people can vary. Some possible reasons for lack of sexual desire include medical conditions like diabetes, chronic illnesses and neurological disorders, hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle factors, postpartum changes, and menopause. Seeking professional help should be encouraged in such times so that healthy relationships can be attained. At MFine, you can connect with top sexologists for any sexual health-related concerns.

In the realm of human experience, the relationship between physical and mental well-being is undeniable. One area where this connection becomes particularly apparent is in the realm of sexual desire. The relationship between mental health and sexual desire is a complex and multifaceted one. It is important to note that sexual desire is a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. These factors can play a significant role in shaping an individual’s level of sexual desire, arousal, and overall sexual satisfaction. In this article, we delve into some of the key aspects of the relationship between mental health and sexual desire:

Mental Health factors that causes Low Libido:

Depression

Depression, a mental health disorder, can have a profound effect on an individual’s sexual desire. One of the key symptoms of depression is apathy: losing interest in activities that you enjoyed previously – including sexual intercourse. Along with apathy, other challenges that accompany depression like emotional numbness, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness can manifest as reduced interest in sexual activities. There is also a profound role of neurochemical imbalances associated with depression. Alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels can impact the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, affecting sexual desire.

Anxiety and Stress

The demands of modern life often lead to high levels of stress, which can take a toll on both mental health and sexual desire. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for a healthy libido. Furthermore, stress can erode the emotional connection between partners, diminishing intimacy and thereby resulting in to low libido.

When we experience stress, the body’s natural instinct of ‘’flight or flight’’ is activated. This response leads our body to focus its resources on bodily functions that are most essential for survival, like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Thus, our body’s resources are not diverted towards our sex drive or libido, which in turn leads to low sex drive and diminished sexual desire. However, once we overcome the stressful situation, our body’s functions return to their normal state.

Anxiety is when stress persists even if there is no trigger present. The experience of anxiety is characterized by constant worry, fear, and tension. This means that individuals diagnosed with anxiety may constantly live in a ‘’survival mode’’ where the flight or flight response is always active. This can divert attention away from sexual experiences and lead to reduced sexual desire. Individuals grappling with anxiety may find it challenging to be present at the moment, which is essential for cultivating a satisfying sexual experience.

Body Image and Self-Esteem

Body image and self-esteem can interfere with the ability to become aroused during sexual activities. People who struggle with body image issues, feeling dissatisfied or uncomfortable with their physical appearance, may experience lower sexual desire. Feeling self-conscious or insecure about one’s body can distract from the pleasure and sensations of the moment and can lead to a reluctance to engage in intimate activities.

Low self-esteem, characterized by a lack of self-worth and confidence, can contribute to diminished sexual desire. When individuals don’t feel good about themselves or believe they are deserving of pleasure, it can impact their interest in sexual experiences. Low self-esteem can hinder emotional intimacy with a partner. Feelings of unworthiness or self-doubt can create barriers to forming a strong emotional connection, which is crucial for a satisfying sexual relationship.

Negative body image and low self-esteem can also contribute to performance anxiety, where individuals worry about their ability to please their partner or meet perceived standards of attractiveness. Additionally, comparing oneself to unrealistic standards of beauty or feeling insecure about one’s appearance can create feelings of inadequacy, impacting the desire for sexual connection.

Intimacy and Emotional Connection

Emotional well-being and a sense of intimacy with a partner are vital for a satisfying sexual relationship. Feelings of emotional closeness and trust can enhance sexual desire and overall sexual experiences. Relationship issues, unresolved conflicts, or emotional distance can lead to a decline in sexual desire and intimacy. Additionally, if any of the partners have experienced past trauma, such as sexual abuse or assault, can have long-lasting effects on their sexual desire. Trauma survivors may experience a range of emotional responses that can influence their willingness and ability to engage in sexual activities.

While challenges related to our mental and emotional health do impact sexual desire, there are ways in which an individual struggling with these concerns can help themselves. Improving sexual desire through mental wellness involves fostering a positive state of mind, addressing any underlying mental health issues, and creating an environment conducive to intimacy and pleasure. Here are some strategies to enhance sexual desire by prioritizing mental wellness:

Strategies to enhance sexual desire by prioritizing mental wellness

Practice Self-Care and Stress Reduction

Engage in activities that promote overall well-being, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind and sexual function. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to lower stress levels and create a more relaxed mental state.

Prioritize Emotional Connection

Nurture emotional intimacy with your partner through open communication, quality time together, and shared experiences. Feeling emotionally connected can enhance sexual desire.

Explore Sensuality

Engage in activities that heighten your senses and promote mindfulness, such as taking a relaxing bath, enjoying a massage, or practicing sensual touch. Explore new sexual experiences, fantasies, and desires with your partner. Open communication about your preferences and boundaries can lead to a more fulfilling sexual connection.

Address Body Image Issues

Work on improving your self-esteem and body image through self-affirmations, positive self-talk, and focusing on the aspects of your body that you appreciate.

Engage in Pleasure-Focused Activities

Engage in activities that bring you joy, satisfaction, and pleasure outside of the bedroom. When you cultivate overall happiness, it can positively impact your sexual desire.

Seek Therapy

If you’re dealing with mental health challenges, consider seeking therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help manage conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma that may be impacting your sexual desire. Consult a therapist on MFine.

MFine has recently launched a 6 week Sexual Wellness Program for Male that can help one dealing with lack of sexual desire with proven results.

Practice Patience

Improving sexual desire through mental wellness is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and your partner, and recognize that progress may take time.

In conclusion, the relationship between mental health and sexual desire is intricate and multifaceted. While positive mental health can contribute to a robust sexual desire, challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, body image issues, and past trauma can lead to diminished interest in sexual activities. Recognizing and addressing these factors through therapy, support systems, and self-care can contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling sexual relationship. It’s important to remember that seeking professional guidance, when necessary, can provide valuable insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of mental health and its impact on sexual desire.

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Written by

Juie Acharya

Ms Juie is a counseling psychologist and is currently working as an Associate Manager for the Speciality of Mental Wellness at MFine. She has 4 years of experience as a Mental Health Professional and is skilled in individual psychotherapy, crisis intervention, behavior therapy for children with special needs as well as clinical psychology. She is a Queer Affirmative counselor, practicing psychotherapy with a Trauma Informed lens and a Rights-Based approach. She has carried out 2000+ one on one counseling sessions for 20+ types of cases using a psychosocial perspective.

Can Poor Mental Health Cause Low Libido in Men?

Mental Health factors that causes Low Libido:

Depression

Anxiety and Stress

Body Image and Self-Esteem

Intimacy and Emotional Connection

Strategies to enhance sexual desire by prioritizing mental wellness

Practice Self-Care and Stress Reduction

Prioritize Emotional Connection

Explore Sensuality

Address Body Image Issues

Engage in Pleasure-Focused Activities

Seek Therapy

Practice Patience

Request a Call Back

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