Depression. A sinister but factually demonic entity of our mental state has a love-hate relationship with the hustling lifestyle of today. And popular opinion suggests giving in to your libido may help subside it to a great extent.
There is no concrete evidence on it scientifically; however, if it works in your favor – go crazy!
Numerous studies and menacing headlines may suggest all sorts of things about the relationship between depression and sex. They may not tell you that it isn’t the same for all. For many serving their sex drive has worked towards curing anxiety and episodes of depression. But for someone clinically depressed, there is a possibility the drive may not exist at all. So, consider this a boon if it is of any help to you independently.
People have independently experienced zero sex drive and a feeling of absolute loneliness. Some have a sexual experience and no feeling of any connection with the person. The biological response of their body toward sex has though been of help in reducing depression for them. Sexual relations may not be a cure, but experience from many suggests that it helps generate a positive state of mind and improves mental health.
The Human Body In A State Of Pleasure
Healthy sex life has been of the primary reasons for having positive emotions, moods, and thoughts. The limbic system that controls these emotions is overly active. The process of intercourse amplifies the flow of blood in the sensitive regions of the body. The nitric oxide increases the push down of the levels of anxiety and depression.
It has been observed that people with episodes of depression and anxiety have had lower nitric oxide levels in their bodies. The lack of this substance also triggers insomnia, loss of energy, and irritation. So, if not removed, it does reduce the effects. The balancing chemicals serotonin and dopamine are released in the process of sexual intercourse. Both of these play an intrinsic role in sending messages to the brain.
The dopamine deficiency can be easily linked to anxiety or depression since it is also responsible for making the brain understand the idea of being rewarded. The body treats pleasure as a reward, and the reduction of dopamine can negate the need to feel rewarded. People who have personally experienced episodes of depression can explain it better. These people do not feel the need to be appreciated, rewarded, motivated, etc.
Further in the discussion, let’s now focus on – what part serotonin plays in the sexual act to ease anxiety and reduce depression. There is not much difference in the roles of dopamine and serotonin while having sex. They have, if not identical, similar effects. The manners can be different like serotonin affects functions like metabolism, sleep cycle, emotions, etc. though throwing a sweeping statement that these are the cause of depression would be far from the actual scenario.
There is no one reason for depression; several experiences, incidents, the loss can cause it. The personal capacity to handle emotions, or none of these. Clinical depression is not caused by just dropping serotonin levels; it is more complex than that. However, raising serotonin levels has proven beneficial for those who have experienced it. It helps regulate mood, memory, erratic behavior, appetite, social interaction, digestion, and finding purpose. And one such way of raising the level is sex.
If these biological reasons are considered, it makes complete sense to believe what we stated earlier. Sex can help cure depression to a certain extent, but it cannot be considered a treatment for someone clinically depressed. There are medical professionals for it and cognitive therapies to ensure a complete understanding of the seriousness of one’s situation.
Can Sex Prevent Depression?
No, the answer is big clear no. It cannot prevent depression, but it can reduce it. The pandemic era has been tough on many, and the cases of depression skyrocketed. The initial lockdown phase took down many young minds with an otherwise active social life. They could not handle being on their own, something we usually learn in time and age.
Sexual intimacy gained popularity because there was less to do at home, and killing negative thoughts with sexual activities was a win-win. The best part is that you reach orgasm while maintaining mental sanity is fantastic. Many benefits have an active sex life, but it is not for depression. It comes from inside; it can only be felt first-hand. You cannot tell a depressed person to have sex and treat their mental health; there is no truth. There is a very high chance this person is not comfortable with the slightest human touch.
The Verdict
There are several effective medical treatments available for people to take than putting pressure on the opposite sex to do wonders for you. Rather than suggesting to take their mental health to the bedroom, it is better to seek help from a medical professional. Don’t consider sex a treatment; it is more of recreational activity. Let your bedroom be a place of fun and leave the treatments to the experts.
Author: Yashasvi K.
Freewill/Editor/Writer/Mother/Language Nazi! -- Not necessarily in that order!
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