Understanding Mental Health
Every person has essential human needs. When we don’t get those needs met, our mental and sometimes physical health can suffer as a result. When we think of fundamental human needs, food, shelter, and water come to mind. However, a healthy sex life is also an important component to create a full and happy life for many people. While it’s not physically or psychologically unhealthy for someone to live an asexual or celibate life, for people that crave the intimacy of a sexual relationship, a healthy sex life is a vital part of a full and happy life. Sex is not only part of a fulfilling life for many people; it also supports good mental health in many ways.
Impact of sexual life on mental health
Sex and sexuality are a part of life. Aside from reproduction, sex can be about intimacy and pleasure. Sexual activity, penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI), or masturbation, can offer many surprising benefits to all facets of your life:
Physical
Intellectual
Social
Emotional
Psychological
Sexual activity, with a partner or through masturbation, can provide important
psychological and emotional benefits. Like exercise, sex can help reduce stress and
anxiety and increase happiness.
Studies Trusted Source suggest that sexual activity (defined as PVI) may correlate
with:
increased satisfaction with your mental health
increased levels of trust, intimacy, and love in your relationships
improved ability to perceive, identify, and express emotions
lessened use of your immature psychological defence mechanism, or the mental
processes to reduce distress from emotional conflict
At an older age, sexual activity may affect your well-being and ability to think. Research found that sexually active adults between 50 to 90 years old had better memory. They were also less likely to feel depressed and lonely. Sex boosts serotonin, which helps improve your mood and fight off depression. Additionally, one of the hormones released during orgasm is serotonin, leaving you feeling soothed from stress and anxiety. A lack of sex can be harmful, causing your self-worth and confidence to plummet. When you have sex, the feelings of intimacy with your partner, as well as feeling nurtured and desired boosts your self-confidence and overall well-being. The cuddling and physical intimacy of sex also gives a boost to your happiness. Endorphins are one of the many chemicals released in the brain during sex. Endorphins are the neurotransmitters associated with the feeling of happiness, causing your mood to brighten overall as it helps lift depression. Are you struggling with depression or anxiety and looking for guidance and support? A licensed therapist can help you find ways to boost your mood and work with you to develop a plan to improve your quality of life.,
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