Is it possible for anyone to have a happy sex life and also to be suffering from depression. If the answer is no, does that mean that a happy sex life could be a cure for depression? I asked this question on Facebook many years ago, and got some insightful responses, shedding light on the complex relationship between mental health and sexual intimacy. Some individuals shared that during periods of deep depression, their interest in sex diminished significantly. Others found that engaging in sexual activity, even if momentarily, provided relief from depressive symptoms. One person noted, “I masturbate frequently as a tool for relieving depression. It works… for a moment.” From a clinical perspective, depression can indeed impact sexual desire and performance. However, sexual activity can also release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which may temporarily alleviate depressive symptoms . It’s important to recognize that while sex can offer short-term mood enhancement, it is not a standalone treatment for depression.
Happiness should not be the goal. Happiness is fleeting. We should seek contentment. When the spirit is content, all things know their place and we can deal more easily with life. Including sex. The euphoria of sex comes and goes. But when one finds contentment, satisfaction, even joy in life and with their sexual partner(s), the acts of sexual encounter can bring about a more fulfilling life. If we use sex to buoy us when depressed, to fill an unmet need in our psychic when we are down, we become as one of tens of thousands, just looking for our next physical “fix”/“high”. Contentment brings about worth. Worth brings about self- respect. Self- respect brings contentment. It is a cycle of Positivity. And sexual encounter then become an additive to that contentment, not the necessity for that contentment.
…it was a long journey for me … now in my
late 60s and contentment is mine. Billy
Billy makes a hugely important point: contentment is much more important than some fleeting moment of happiness. I agree that sex can lift a person’s mood and pull someone out of melancholy or gloom. But, conversely, melancholy and gloom can descend following the high of an orgasm, especially when ejaculation is forced (eg masturbation for the sake of masturbation, rather than prompted by genuine sexual excitement). In the longer term, the search for stimulation and climax can develop like any other addiction, with misery as the ultimate outcome. As Billy explains, fostering contentment in life lays a foundation for overall satisfaction, joy and happiness. Starting from a state of contentment, sex can become an expression of our love for self and others. That way, sex can enhance our lives by building upon the contentment that is already established. HugH
Happiness should not be the goal. Happiness is fleeting. We should seek contentment. When the spirit is content, all things know their place and we can deal more easily with life. Including sex. The euphoria of sex comes and goes. But when one finds contentment, satisfaction, even joy in life and with their sexual partner(s), the acts of sexual encounter can bring about a more fulfilling life. If we use sex to buoy us when depressed, to fill an unmet need in our psychic when we are down, we become as one of tens of thousands, just looking for our next physical “fix”/“high”. Contentment brings about worth. Worth brings about self- respect. Self- respect brings contentment. It is a cycle of Positivity. And sexual encounter then become an additive to that contentment, not the necessity for that contentment.
…it was a long journey for me … now in my
late 60s and contentment is mine.
Billy makes a hugely important point: contentment is much more important than some fleeting moment of happiness. I agree that sex can lift a person’s mood and pull someone out of melancholy or gloom. But, conversely, melancholy and gloom can descend following the high of an orgasm, especially when ejaculation is forced (eg masturbation for the sake of masturbation, rather than prompted by genuine sexual excitement). In the longer term, the search for stimulation and climax can develop like any other addiction, with misery as the ultimate outcome. As Billy explains, fostering contentment in life lays a foundation for overall satisfaction, joy and happiness. Starting from a state of contentment, sex can become an expression of our love for self and others. That way, sex can enhance our lives by building upon the contentment that is already established.