Does masturbating make you depressed

Masturbation and depression: Effects on mental health

Masturbation is a healthy and enjoyable activity that has many possible health benefits. However, some research suggests a potential connection between masturbation and depression.

Hundreds of years ago, it was a common belief that masturbation was an immoral act that could result in mental health issues. However, researchers have long since disproven this, noting that masturbation is a normal sexual activity that can provide both physical and mental health benefits.

Although the general attitude toward sexual self-exploration is changing, some cultures may still condemn the act. Additionally, having depression can affect how a person feels about masturbation and sex.

In this article, we will discuss the possible links between masturbation and depression.

The act of masturbation itself does not cause depression. It is a natural, pleasurable activity that may boost self-esteem and help a person explore their sexuality.

Additionally, research suggests that masturbation and other sexual activities that result in pleasure can lead to the release of hormones and chemicals involved in the brain’s pleasure-reward center. As such, masturbation could even provide antidepressant effects.

That said, some people who masturbate experience anxiety or guilt about it. Historically, masturbation has been a social taboo, with some cultures viewing the act as forbidden and sinful.

In the past, many people in positions of authority would also condemn the act and suggest that masturbation was detrimental to health. However, medical professionals began to abandon this view as research started to highlight the benefits of masturbation.

Masturbation is a common, safe activity that can offer many sexual health benefits, but some religions and cultures continue to prohibit it. Although masturbation does not cause depression, a person’s religious, cultural, or social views may cause them to feel bad about it.

Furthermore, while masturbation is a normal and healthy sexual practice, it can become a problem if it develops into a compulsive behavior. Some research suggests that excessive masturbation that begins to disrupt life may increase the risk of mental health conditions and depressive symptoms.

In a 2018 study, 62.5% of male study participants with depression were found to experience some sexual dysfunction. Myths about masturbation, such as negatively affecting penis size or causing sexual dysfunction, were also more prevalent among those with depression.

Masturbation will not have any effect on whether a person develops depression, but having depression can reduce a person’s sex drive, or libido, and may cause them to lose interest in masturbation.

Depression may make a person lose interest in activities that they usually enjoy, including sex. It is not uncommon for a person with depression to experience low libido. Depressive symptoms, and other factors, can affect people differently. While some may experience a loss of their sex drive, others may be able to maintain their sex drive.

Masturbation itself may help. A person may find that masturbating helps them feel sexual again, but this is highly personal. Many people go through phases of masturbating more or less frequently, which may not have any effect on their mental health.

Certain medications for depression may also reduce a person’s libido. Not all treatments have this effect, so if a specific medication decreases a person’s sex drive and becomes bothersome, a person can discuss other options with their doctor.

Communication with a partner is essential if mental health is affecting libido. If one or both partners are experiencing low libido due to depression, they can find other ways to maintain intimacy, such as cuddling and giving massages.

A person whose partner has depression may find that masturbating can meet their own sexual needs until their partner feels like reconnecting.

As well as reducing sex drive, depression may make a person feel:

sad
guilty
hopeless
worthless
tired

Depression may also cause physical symptoms, such as unexplained aches and pains and weight changes. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of depression should consult their doctor, who will be able to help them access treatment.

People can use a combination of talk therapy and medication to manage depression. Lifestyle changes and stress-relieving activities may also help. These include:

exercising regularly
getting enough sleep
eating a healthy, balanced diet
reducing alcohol intake
practicing yoga, mindfulness, or meditation
journaling and thinking positively
participating in fun and social activities, such as spending time with friends

The most effective mix of treatment and self-management strategies will vary from person to person.

Evidence shows a correlation between masturbation and good mental and physical health. Even though masturbation is not harmful, some people never masturbate or only do so rarely — this is also healthy and normal.

The possible health benefits of masturbation may include:

Boosting self-esteem

Masturbation may improve a person’s body confidence and self-esteem. A 2015 study suggests that partnered females who masturbate have higher self-esteem than those who do not.

Making it easier to orgasm

When a person learns what feels good through masturbation, they may find it easier to orgasm during sex with a partner.

A 2015 study looked at the link between female masturbation and sexual satisfaction. Researchers compared the experiences of two groups of married females.

Those in one group had experienced orgasms from masturbation, while individuals in the other group had not. The study found that those who had orgasms when masturbating had more orgasms and greater sexual satisfaction.

Increasing sex drive

There may also be an association between masturbating and a person’s sex drive. Research suggests that married females who masturbate may have higher sex drives than those who do not.

Possibly lowering risk of prostate cancer

Although additional studies are necessary, initial research suggests that frequent ejaculation may lower a man’s risk of prostate cancer. A 2016 study found that men who reported more frequent ejaculation were less likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis later in life.

Improving sleep

Masturbating to reach orgasm may help a person get a good night’s sleep. During and after orgasm, feel-good hormones flood the brain. These hormones include:

oxytocin
dopamine
endorphins
prolactin

These help a person relax, which may improve their sleep.

While research highlights the many potential benefits of masturbation, other research notes that it could contribute to negative mental health outcomes in some individuals. People may use terms such as ego-dystonic masturbation, or masturbatory guilt, to describe feelings of embarrassment or shame following masturbation.

Many cultures may consider masturbation taboo and condemn the act as immoral. Research notes that individuals who feel guilt after masturbation are more likely to experience psychological problems.

A 2021 case study notes that while more research is still necessary, feelings of masturbatory guilt may lead to the development of depression. This could suggest that masturbatory guilt is a type of delusional thinking.

This term refers to a belief that a person firmly insists is true despite evidence to the contrary. As such, it is not just the guilt but the false belief that masturbation is wrong that leads to depression.

If a person feels guilty or anxious about masturbating, they may want to discuss this with a healthcare professional. Their doctor will be able to recommend a therapist who specializes in sexual health and can help a person improve their relationship with masturbation.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of depression should also speak with a healthcare professional, who can recommend treatments to help them manage the condition.

Masturbation and depression: Effects on mental health

Masturbation is a healthy and enjoyable activity that has many possible health benefits. However, some research suggests a potential connection between masturbation and depression.

In this article, we will discuss the possible links between masturbation and depression.

The act of masturbation itself does not cause depression. It is a natural, pleasurable activity that may boost self-esteem and help a person explore their sexuality.

That said, some people who masturbate experience anxiety or guilt about it. Historically, masturbation has been a social taboo, with some cultures viewing the act as forbidden and sinful.

Masturbation will not have any effect on whether a person develops depression, but having depression can reduce a person’s sex drive, or libido, and may cause them to lose interest in masturbation.

A person whose partner has depression may find that masturbating can meet their own sexual needs until their partner feels like reconnecting.

As well as reducing sex drive, depression may make a person feel:

sad
guilty
hopeless
worthless
tired

People can use a combination of talk therapy and medication to manage depression. Lifestyle changes and stress-relieving activities may also help. These include:

exercising regularly
getting enough sleep
eating a healthy, balanced diet
reducing alcohol intake
practicing yoga, mindfulness, or meditation
journaling and thinking positively
participating in fun and social activities, such as spending time with friends

The most effective mix of treatment and self-management strategies will vary from person to person.

The possible health benefits of masturbation may include:

Boosting self-esteem

Masturbation may improve a person’s body confidence and self-esteem. A 2015 study suggests that partnered females who masturbate have higher self-esteem than those who do not.

Making it easier to orgasm

When a person learns what feels good through masturbation, they may find it easier to orgasm during sex with a partner.

A 2015 study looked at the link between female masturbation and sexual satisfaction. Researchers compared the experiences of two groups of married females.

Increasing sex drive

There may also be an association between masturbating and a person’s sex drive. Research suggests that married females who masturbate may have higher sex drives than those who do not.

Possibly lowering risk of prostate cancer

Improving sleep

Masturbating to reach orgasm may help a person get a good night’s sleep. During and after orgasm, feel-good hormones flood the brain. These hormones include:

oxytocin
dopamine
endorphins
prolactin

These help a person relax, which may improve their sleep.

Many cultures may consider masturbation taboo and condemn the act as immoral. Research notes that individuals who feel guilt after masturbation are more likely to experience psychological problems.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of depression should also speak with a healthcare professional, who can recommend treatments to help them manage the condition.

90,000 Masturbation addiction. Fighting lust

Masturbation, masturbation or masturbation is an extremely common way to relieve sexual and psychological stress. According to modern medical statistics, about 90% of men and more than 60% of women regularly masturbate. As noted by most professional psychologists and sexologists, such an activity can really help maintain libido, get away from stress and excessive overexertion. However, in some cases, masturbation becomes an obsession, an obsession, which leads to a violation of sexual function, and in some cases, social ties. nine0003

Masturbation as a norm of sexual behavior

In the process of puberty, the vast majority of adolescents resort to masturbation as a means of satisfying excessive sexual desire. Moreover, unconscious masturbation is quite common in infancy and early childhood (2-6 years). Moreover, such behavior in children as a whole is embedded in the concept of developmental norms.

The information on this page should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis purposes. In case of exacerbation of the symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to seek diagnostic studies, diagnosis and the correct prescription of the treatment method from your doctor. nine0003

Adolescents and young people of both sexes, due to active hormonal changes and the inability to satisfy sexual desire due to lack of experience in building relationships, social and financial problems, regularly resort to self-satisfaction. The frequency of such acts depends on the sexual constitution of a particular person, as well as the state of his psyche. After marriage or the acquisition of a permanent sexual partner, usually the frequency of masturbation is sharply reduced and gradually disappears. Those who live a regular sexual life may occasionally experience individual episodes of onanism, which is also included in the system of ideas about a healthy sexual life. nine0003

The situation is getting out of control

Regular masturbation in the absence of a regular sex life invariably leads to the development of a habit into a real addiction. The mechanism of its acquisition is quite simple - an independent discharge of sexual energy guarantees a surrogate pleasure in the process of onanism. Gradually, this practice leads to the idea that contacts with the opposite sex with the obligatory attributes of courtship (gifts, going to a restaurant, spending time together) are, in fact, unnecessarily energy-consuming, and therefore not needed. After all, self-satisfaction is much easier, easier, and most importantly - more accessible than sex. As a result, the addict narrows the circle of social contacts, isolates himself, comes to the need for constant reassessment of his behavior and introspection. Gradually, mental and psychosexual disorders are formed, which can be dealt with only with the help of a qualified sexologist. nine0003

Do not self-medicate and self-diagnose! Contact your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the disease. Only your doctor can correctly diagnose and prescribe the right treatment.

Harm of onanism

So, we have decided. Excessive passion for masturbation forms a habit that, under certain circumstances, can develop into a pathological addiction. Such behavior in the advanced phase causes irreparable harm to the body. First of all, onanism provokes the development of: nine0003

stress. Masturbation provokes the release of the hormone adrenaline into the bloodstream, which implies strong arousal. Adrenaline, carried with blood through the vital organs of our body, causes the acceleration of their work. In order to lower its level, physical activity is necessary. Sex provides significant physical stress, but masturbation does not. As a result, the heart and blood vessels suffer, which wear out prematurely;
neurasthenia. Constant stressful conditions, overwork as companions of onanism, lead to chronic overexcitation. And this entails depression, irritability, dissatisfaction with oneself and the quality of life, the development of neurasthenia; nine0024
depression of the central nervous system. As a rule, a person suffering from excessive masturbation, sleep is disturbed, memory deteriorates. The person becomes distracted, capricious, taciturn. The masturbator seeks solitude, avoids communication, which negatively affects his relationships in the family, work team;
violation of protein metabolism. Masturbation enhances the breakdown of fats and at the same time slows down protein catabolism;
prostatitis. The constant flow of blood to the prostate gland can lead to its enlargement and contribute to the development of the inflammatory process. nine0024

When to ask for help

Painfully attracted to masturbation develops over many years and in the early stages of the formation of this disease usually does not cause any concern. In case you are unable to control your behavior, it is time to visit a specialist. Otherwise, the development of autoeroticism (achieving sexual pleasure without a partner) will sooner or later end in mental problems and a violation of the mechanism of social adaptation. nine0003

How to help yourself

The attraction to onanism is an acquired disease that can be self-treated. All that is needed for this is the adoption of a strong-willed decision and the desire to help yourself. In order to cope with addiction, we suggest that you follow simple recommendations:

engage in physical activity and sports. Regular visits to the gym, cycling, morning or evening jogging will help you relieve excessive sexual tension; nine0024
Wear close-fitting thermal underwear or several layers of light clothing before going to bed. This practice will complicate access to the genitals, and, therefore, prevent attempts to masturbate in a dream;
establish a system of rewards for refraining from acts of onanism;
with a strong desire, take an emphasis lying down and push up from the floor 10-20 times;
practice fasting. Learn to refrain from meat and fatty foods 1-2 times a week, do not eat spicy and peppery foods, completely give up alcohol. nine0024

Prophylaxis

To prevent the development of this complex disease, it is necessary to clearly understand the harm of this habit. A special role here is played by education and self-education, physical activity and healthy trusting relationships in the family.

It is extremely important for parents of teenagers to control the interests of their children, to prevent increased interest in videos, books and films with erotic content. This can be helped by special software installed on modern multimedia gadgets, smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. nine0003

B-Apteka.ru provides comprehensive and verified information on health, wellness and medicine, but in matters of diagnosis and choice of treatment, you should contact your doctor. Remember - self-medication can be dangerous to your health. B-Apteka.ru is not responsible for the negative consequences resulting from the use of information by users of the site b-apteka.ru posted on the site.

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Dangerous masturbation - Inessa Astakhova

Dangerous masturbation

Sex

“He who has known this dangerous replenishment at least once”

JJ Rousseau

The myth of the dangers of masturbation still worries mankind. In the psychoanalyst's office, men are more likely to talk about it. Recently, two of my patients, adult, smart men, shared their concerns - is it bad for me that I masturbate a lot? One blamed masturbation on the lack of close relationships with women, and the other saw in it the reason for his unwillingness to do anything to change his life. Women talk about it less often, but is it because they are generally afraid to admit it? Why does masturbation have such a bad PR? Why does it cause so much concern, although you will not find a single disease in medical or psychiatric reference books, the cause or symptom of which is masturbation? nine0003

Fear of sexuality and pleasure is strongly linked to human history and, of course, to the Christian history of sin.

The idea of the dangers of masturbation was well formulated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in "Emily" - "He is lost who at least once knew this dangerous replenishment." A century later, in the 19th century, masturbation was no longer viewed simply as a "dangerous supplement." She, along with homosexuality, was defined as the greatest perversion, the fatal sign of insanity or death. Man and only man was responsible for the seduction, which he applied to himself, since he was possessed by the mania of autoeroticism. nine0003

The progress of surgery has made it possible to offer a solution to this terrible disease - removal or cauterization of the clitoris in girls, circumcision for boys. To nullify the plague of onanism, all kinds of "therapy" were invented: anti-masturbation corsets, covers, devices for spreading the legs for girls, prescriptions and threats of castration, handcuffing for boys. Finally, legal cases began against nurses accused of "rough treatment" - that is, of seducing children and babies. A systematic identification of shameful occupations in families began. Each inflammation of the genital organs was examined with a magnifying glass. It was believed that all infectious and viral diseases from masturbation. nine0003

If a hysterical woman captured the entire field of neurosis research, then the two main figures - sex not for the sake of offspring and a child - an onanist - became a reserved area for sexologists, hygienists, and pediatricians.

The well-known sexologists of the late 19th century, Kraft Ebbing, Albert Moll or Havelock Ellis thought more about hygiene, and were concerned with describing abnormalities, than about treatment. All the controversies of the second half of the 19th century revolved around the question of whether a child could be born a pervert, and does this madness manifest itself in masturbation? Everyone tried to protect the child from himself, from the harm of masturbation. The upbringing of children took place through dubious bodily and mental coaching. The principles of education then practiced, for example, in Germany, consisted in the fact that the rough treatment of an adult with a child is only for the benefit of the child and allows you to overcome your vices in order to achieve the “highest good”

Among the theorists of this "black pedagogy" is Gottlieb Moritz Schreber, who in his textbooks described a way to counteract the collapse of society. We need to create a "new man": a healthy mind in a healthy body. His ideas would then be accepted and used by National Socialism. His son Daniel Paul Schreber, who grew up paranoid, underwent such an "intensive" upbringing. Schreber - the son will later describe his experience in his memoirs, which Freud will comment on in his work "The Case of Schreber"

The child's body has been a favorite object of attention for hygienists and doctors for years. Hundreds of books have described the harm of child masturbation, its role in the emergence of neuroses and perversions. Childhood, as a field of study, entered psychiatric discourse in the late 19th century. Masturbation has come to be seen as the main cause of some disorders that appear not only in children but also in adults.

Few people have studied various forms of sexuality: homosexuality, bisexuality, transvestism, especially their psychological content. Freud was the first here. He first notes the sexual histories of his patients with hysteria. Indeed, almost all of them tell him about how they were seduced in childhood by one of the adults. And Freud makes a well-founded conclusion - hysteria is associated with early childhood seduction. But after a presentation at the Vienna Psychoneurological Society, Kraft-Ebbing and other pundits called his ideas "scientifically told fairy tales." And Freud then comes to the conclusion that fantasy and fairy tale were stories about the seduction of his patients. Dada, a little girl just fantasized about having sex with her father or with her uncle, and from this, in adulthood, she will become a real neurotic. It doesn't matter, Freud says, whether you were seduced in real reality or in psychic reality - it can still become a trauma for the psyche.

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