It can either improve your mood or destroy your self-esteem, and in some cases even be a sign of mental illness.
1. Masturbation improves mood and self-esteem
Besides the fact that masturbation is the easiest way to get a dose of happiness hormones, it’s also a way to boost self-esteem. At least for women. According to an American study, women who masturbate more often are more satisfied with their bodies.
2. BDSM practices are linked to mental health
There’s a stereotype that BDSM is only for the weird, but science proves otherwise. In a 2013 study, researchers compared people who practice BDSM with those who prefer regular sex. It turned out that the former outperform the latter on a number of positive psychological characteristics. For example, they are more satisfied with life, open to people and new experiences, and less prone to neuroses.
3. Depression reduces libido
During depression, many people lose interest in life in general and sex in particular.
It’s sad that some antidepressants also suppress libido.
Of course, this doesn’t mean depression shouldn’t be treated. It should be, but only under medical supervision.
4. Sex eases symptoms of depression
Even more ironic is the fact that intimacy can actually help you feel better during depression. This is due to serotonin and oxytocin, which accompany orgasm, correcting the chemical imbalance in the body. Of course, the effect is only temporary.
5. Sex reduces anxiety
Anxiety, like depression, interferes with sex, but, as with depression, sex helps combat it. This is because during orgasm, the areas of the brain are responsible for anxiety become less active.
6. Hypersexuality may be a sign of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from constant hand washing to obsessive masturbation or sexual fantasy. Fortunately, treatment can alleviate these symptoms.
7. Casual sex has mixed effects on mental health.
Sex researcher Zhana Vrangalova has found that casual sex can have a positive or negative impact on a person’s well-being, depending on the reasons for it.
If a person is driven by the “wrong” motivation (to please someone or take revenge), then he will experience decreased self-esteem, depression, and increased anxiety.
But if the reasons are “right” (to explore your sexuality or gain new experiences), then self-esteem will increase. Casual sex in this situation will not affect depression and anxiety levels.
Conclusion
Sex isn’t a panacea; it won’t help you overcome all psychological problems. But sometimes it can help you assess your own condition and understand how to improve it.
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