Can lack of sex contribute to depression?

[Anonymous]

What do you think?

[RJJ33666]

Yesm lack of sex has been seen to be a contributor to depression, especially in men. Sex is a very normal part of life but as we grow older it becomes a need which should be fulfilled regularly and the fact that many men and women are unable to get any form of sexual act from anyone can cause people to develop self esteem issues, self sabotage issues, attention seek behaviour and even deviant sexual habits. Humans are biologically wired to want sex, we can control the part where we need to procreate but in the end sex is still a very basic and important need, not fulfilling can cause psychological and biological problems.

[Asker]

Very well said.

[RJJ33666]

Thank you

[ChrisMaster69]

It’s not so much the sex, it’s the emotional well being connected with it, the cuddling, snuggles, being with someone.

When you don’t have that emotional intimacy with a person and also the physical aspect, it can impact your overall mental state, this can lead to depression.

[ChrisMaster69]

@itsalyssaagain ref update. Yes it could help you. Feeling good about yourself, how your health, what you wear etc all help towards improving your overall confidence and feel good factor which in turn boosts your mental health, There is no rush with not being a virgin, and if you date you don’t need to have sex, obviously making it clear at the beginning to avoid issues down the road, It’s about taking your time and thinking of your overall mental state. Try different things to see if they improve things, going out running helps for me and gives me some clarity and helps with my mental health, as does mountain biking.

[Asker]

Thanks!! Yes I totally agree but I do hope my time comes around soon 🤣 I love working out and dressing nice it helps me feel sexy so it fills that void a little.

[ChrisMaster69]

@itsalyssaagain yes it’s sort of that reward for working out in gym or achieving something, Wearing what you want and feel good in is important, at times sexy lingerie is more for the person wearing it than anyone else, them knowing how good they look and feel wearing it. I would also look at social stuff like dance classes, it combines the looking good, working out and interacting with others.

[laurieluvsit]

I think it would not be the sex part as much as not having someone to do it with that would cause the depression, and maybe that is what you meant.

There are many ways to orgasm and get the simulation of sex without a partner but it's not the same.

Great question Ms Alyssa!

[wingattebaby16]

yes.. i have had it happen too many times.

i would rather have a bad, abusive boyfriend growing up than be alone.

regular sex, even with a jerk, kept me from being alone and getting depressed.

[Asker]

For me being with a bad abusive boyfriend just made me feel lonelier than being single is. At least when you’re single, you know you’re single and you can date and look for the man for you. When you’re with a shitty boyfriend it feels shitty

[IsoUser]

I could certainly understand that if you're in a bad relationship things become progressively worse over time I could certainly understand that.

[IsoUser]

I don't know what most guys think, but for me personally sex seems to be a stress relief more than anything because emotionally I can become one with that girl as I ejaculate twice inside her and am actually able to look deep inside her eyes as I cum twice deep inside

[Girlygovroom]

I think so, especially if the lack of sex is caused by relationship issues, struggles of finding a partner etc.
If a person has no interest in sex and doesn't seek it out, I don't think it's an active factor in one's level of depression.

[KarinMcDonald]

Yes! I can get headaches and feel depressed if I don't get a big one at least twice during the month!

[ohshee]

Well I don't know if it can do that maybe so let's ask this question how do you feel when you are being made out with in slow motion and you can feel his energy just flowing with yours and all around yours for me that's a much better place I would rather be

[Asker]

Me too

[ohshee]

I love that

[StevieNix]

Probably.

[LazerBean]

Only when it is a result of being denied it by a partner who used to be more sexual. Otherwise it's usually another problem that people choose to blame on lack of sex.

[Berethor]

Yes, unless you are okay with living as a nun.

[Berethor]

As for the update, you might be subconsciously worrying about hitting the wall while single.

[TommyMountainFigure]

Well it would certainly explain why I'm always happy..

[Sun_Kim-Ai]

I thought it was impossibile, but my wife did get depressed when we went for some months without doing it.
So yes, it can contribute and also cause depression, and although I'm not really into those things, I do "put out" for her sake.

[DonkeyDan]

A lack of physical intimacy can aid depression, but a lack of sex itself has been proven not to contribute towards depression.

[VanillaSalt]

Lack of intimacy. Sex is just a tool for short germ happiness and children. Intimacy is somebody actually caring if you exist…

[Jamie05rhs]

This

[VanillaSalt]

@itssalyssaaggain if you feel that badly about it then have sex… you’ll never be happy if you live solely based off what others think. You can’t completely overlook it but it’s not like one partners the end of the world. Gandhi said “It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of non-violence to cover impotence. Violence is any day preferable to impotence. There is hope for a violent man to become non-violent. There is no such hope for the impotent.“ I see this applying in your situation like this… it’s better to make bad choices to improve your situation because you can correct such mistakes rather then sitting by helpless unable to do anything wallowing in your suffering. I don’t think sex will find you fulfillment but if you think it’s what your missing then who am I so say your wrong? Maybe your standards are too high, maybe men you meet are pathetic, maybe your not good enough to get a man that meets your standards… The only thing I can tell you is I don’t have an answer that would satisfy you. You have to take your own steps and find your own way because doing as others tell you will never find YOUR happiness.

[VanillaSalt]

Remember though. You can correct mistakes but you can’t avoid accountability. If you give up your virginity you might lose the option to find a good man that requires it.

[Jamie05rhs]

@VanillaSalt And yet Gandhi won independence for India through nonviolent methods. So if he really said that, then he was a hypocrite.

[VanillaSalt]

Everybody’s a fucking hypocrite…

[Birdlegs]

No it can’t. If you’re an addict tho then I would assume it could cause physical withdrawal symptoms.

[Kaneki05]

Indeed it does, explains myself for sure and just the lack of cuddling too. Cuddling way more important in my mind.

[hellomellow7]

Yes I believe it can bc having that physical connection really helps boost feelings of belonging, feelinn cares for, and loved.

[20yearsolder]

Absolutely, sex is a misdemeanor. The more I miss the meaner I get

[20yearsolder]

You are absolutely correct, it will happen when you least expect it. You will find a good man and you will experience love and the intimacy that you crave. It will fill The intimacy that you are missing. I'm assuming that wearing the lingerie makes you feel sexy. That's fantastic. Look at yourself in the mirror and see how attractive you are. Don't be afraid to explore your body while you're waiting for the love of your life

[micheal727jovanie]

You think?

[Barry88]

Out of experience, yes. 😔

[glennos89]

For woman... Yes think it will because for most woman sex is more then just a nice feeling. Emotions and feelings are involved aswell

[Th3ft]

I would hope that it is more the relationship aspect that is causing depression but yes a lack of the chemical components one is exposed to during sex and sexual activities could contribute to depression.

[DJB72]

Yes. Sex can release dopamine and alleviate depression. Ironically most antidepressants suppress the sex drive and can cause depression and relationship breakdown.

Oxytocin released at orgasm is a natural antidepressant as well

[Asker]

And that's why I stopped taking my antidepressants last year. It stopped me from orgasming. It was the most depressing thing ever.

[DJB72]

Exactly. I had the same problem.

[RealMarek]

Yes, it can lead to frustration and even aggravate depression. However, sex with the wrong person can also lead to depression.

[Mess96]

Lack of love, affection and emotional and physical intimacy yes. From my experience. It’s never been about sex for me though, even though sometimes when I’m depressed it makes me want all the above

[exitseven]

I bet it is one of the leading causes of depression.

[exitseven]

re:Update. You are right. These things work on their own schedule. You will find somebody that will love you for who you are.

[humanearth]

I would say so.

[DarkWinterNights]

I think the lack of healthy social interactions, including sex is very unhealthy.

[FilmGuy93]

Yeah, I would assume so! I've also heard reports that Millenial fertility is in the crapper. I have a theory (that totally can't be supported by evidence at all) that part of the reason we have all this mental illness is because people's bodies are going insane because they can't make babies and everything feels wrong.

[Asker]

I can't wait to have babies.

[elizamichale1]

i think its definitely one of the biggest factors

[siseñor]

no, that's stupid

[Raphaëlle]

Could be a lack of intimacy, human touch or just loneliness.

[TheSpaceGnome]

It can be, it can also be the sole reason for it if nothing else in your life sucks.

Almost everyone craves sex.

[TheSpaceGnome]

You might have to actively search, but you will find the right guy for you eventually, as long as you remain patient and don't rush into things with the wrong guy.

[Asker]

Thanks

[kinggeorge007]

Yes, if you are obsessed about not having it.

[Rebecka33]

After so long it could.

[Browneye57]

You invent your own depression honey.

[Asker]

Not sure what that means.

[Subarugirl]

Lack of sex… no. Lack of emotional and physical intimacy.. absolutely

[Massageman]

Hmmmmmm. Directly and only? Unlikely. As a contributing factor? Yes.

In healthcare, there is the "Rule of Threes":
The human body will begin to suffer damage after the following thresholds are met:
3 minutes without oxygen
3 days without water
3 weeks without food
3 months without touch

If someone were to extend that to include intercourse,
maybe there is the basis for a research study here.

[kinggeorge007]

3 months without touch? I don't believe that. I have been without touch for 4 years now. I'm still fine.

[Massageman]

They are not talking just "sexual"touch, rather ANY kind of touch with other people.

[Texaskid1]

More a lack of human contact in general. I have had sex while being depressed and it did nothing for me.

[LigmaBallsack]

Absolutely, it totally can.

[DiegoO]

It surely can, also meaningless sex.

[Sparkie460]

Yes it can. I'm living proof

[Asker]

Same lol

[Sparkie460]

You? You're beautiful. How are you not getting sex?

[Asker]

No boyfriend I guess

[Sparkie460]

I'll help you then. Lol

[yucel_eden]

Obviously.


It’s why I have sex at least once a week…and that’s not even that high. Should target 4-5 times a week

[Jamie05rhs]

It's possible. Though I think the real cause is lack of love. The sex part just takes up a bigger part of your thinking, so it overshadows other things. But people can easily live without sex itself as long as they have romance and love.

[Jamie05rhs]

@itsalyssaagain I totally understand everything that you said in your update. Completely!

[Jamie05rhs]

I think what @ChrisMaster69 said was on point, though.

[kellytheman]

I do. I feel you need to feel some love sexual connection so you feel good. Also sex relieves all your stress, anxiety, and wash away your worries for awhile and it can also clear your head.

[Rizwan_khan]

Yes sexually frustration is a big problem. Person become more aggressive and annoying if sexual need is not fulfilled. And some people get deprrresed also.

[Rizwan_khan]

I have been through same situation as yours. Most of the time I get frustrated because of lack of sexual activity but I'm also waiting for my only partner. at least you have talk about sex with your friend but I don't have any friend whome i can talk about.

[Wise4myage]

Well, I think so, because it can lead to mental exhaustion.

[Wise4myage]

Welcome back.

[Asker]

Thanks

[Sam_25]

True

[moviedude714]

I can see that

[Juxtapose]

Yes, nobody likes feeling like a reject.

[motownplayer2000]

I guess it can. If that person is obsessed

[James899]

It happens to me so many times. We have to keep move on

[jahaims]

For sure

[Shamalien]

I think if by a certain age you aren’t getting physical intimacy from a romantic partner of some sort, there are negatives. I think by age 16-20 you should be finding a partner and if you aren’t, it’s rough

[roy_ricky09]

Nope..

[maximumpower]

not exactly.
lack of sexual stimulation or feelings of attractiveness can impact people's emotional well-being.
poor emotional well-being can lead to depression.

[RuthlessAggression]

No, I don't think so

[RuthlessAggression]

How come I didn't get MHO?

[KrakenAttackin]

If you are in a marriage and your partner is withholding sex, that can be very depressing.

[Subarugirl]

Kind of like when your partner withholds emotional intimacy

[KrakenAttackin]

@Subarugirl "Emotional intimacy"... Very few men are good at women call "emotional intimacy".

[Subarugirl]

Lol what women call emotional intimacy? Lol it is what it is. If you don’t understand what it is I can find the definition for you

[KrakenAttackin]

@Subarugirl Well that's just it. Women demand this thing called "emotional intimacy" but most men haven't a damn clue what that is. What do you want? Do you want me to ask "how are you feeling"? Do you want me to ramble on about my "feelings"? Men show love differently than women. We fix things, brush snow off of her car, protect her, work overtime to afford the things she wants, etc... but it's never enough.

[Subarugirl]

What you don’t think intimacy isn’t important in a romantic relationship?

[Subarugirl]

Sounds like you’re just picking the wrong kind of women because that’s not how real women are.

[KrakenAttackin]

@Subarugirl I think intimacy is critical in a relationship, but for men we are constructed differently. Too many women want men to act like their girlfriends.

[Subarugirl]

The majority of women want an emotionally available partner

[KrakenAttackin]

@Subarugirl Men have no idea what "emotional availability" is. Our emotional wave form is much smaller than women's and trying to change us only results in resentment.

[Subarugirl]

That’s called weaponized incompetence and that is a manipulation tactic. If you are incapable of emotional intimacy, or unable to express yourself emotionally you have some sort of psychological issue and I highly recommend that you see someone for that…. Because that’s a problem and every psychologist on the planet would agree.

[KrakenAttackin]

@Subarugirl 'Weaponized incompetence "? Are you fucking kidding me? Your world is so gynocentric you immediately jump to being a victim.

[Subarugirl]

Oh I can explain if you don’t understand

[KrakenAttackin]

@Subarugirl Why are men ALWAYS the ones who have to change?

[Subarugirl]

No one is asking anyone to change who they are, just be mature enough to manage mature relationships

[Subarugirl]

If you think that’s unreasonable just say so

[KrakenAttackin]

@Subarugirl Why is female behavior always the gold standard in a relationship? Demanding emotion from a man will normally make him angry and drive him away.

[Subarugirl]

Well then he shouldn’t be in a relationship if he’s not mature enough to be emotionally available

[Kelly6]

True

[Nigjt]

Yes it can.
God Bless

[Pudsmucker]

I would say yes. No feel good endorfens.

[IsoUser]

I believe that it can, but sex for me personally seems to relieve tension and stress more than anything.

[Smartman5]

I think yes, but not for everyone.

[anton_dee]

Veryyyy much