The Impact of Depression and Sex Drive
Depression can affect so many areas of your life and sometimes in some unexpected ways. Among its many symptoms and side effects, depression can often lead to lack of energy, loss of interest in activities, and a decreased sex drive. These three symptoms of depression can be major culprits in causing problems in the more intimate areas of your relationship. A decrease in sexual intimacy can cause tension in some relationships, so it's important to talk to your partner and work together towards finding a solution that works for both of you.
Those suffering from depression can feel withdrawn and disconnected from those around them and often battle feelings of isolation. Having intimate interaction with their partner may be one way of battling these feelings but it can be difficult when the drive or energy to do so isn't there. Medication is a common way to help fight depression and its effects, however certain antidepressants have side effects that can cause further complications as far as sex life including lower libido or difficulty reaching orgasm.
Communication between you and your partner is vital during this time as it's especially important to stay connected. There are other ideas though that may help to bring some of the intimacy back to your relationship.
Ways to Add Life Back Into the Bedroom
Self Care
First and foremost it's important to continue to take care of yourself. While sex can help to bring some energy and livelihood back into your life and your relationship, if you're not looking after your health the effects likely won't last very long.
Be patient with yourself and understand that healing and results won't happen overnight. If sex isn't something that you're comfortable with or have the energy for then don't push yourself. Work together with your partner to find other ways of staying connected so that you both are able to participate in creating a healthy relationship despite the current struggles.
Communication
As previously mentioned, communication is a key aspect in remaining connected through depression and it's affects on libido and your sex life. It's important for you to share how your feeling with your partner, and to share honestly so that they can start to understand how your feeling.
This could potentially avoid any future conflict due to bruised egos or misunderstandings. It may be a difficult conversation to start but openness and honesty will pay off. It may even inspire a brainstorming session for ideas on how to improve the experience for both you and your partner!
