We maintain the mind separate from the body when we consider our own health, with mental health and physical health in separate silos. But when sexual health is at issue, the connection between mental health and sexual health is not merely true – but strong, sophisticated, and even essential.

Whatever need, consent, trust, or communication, sexuality has a good deal to do with mental well-being. And so does the opposite. Sexual illness can affect mental well-being in parallel ways. Yet this two-way relationship is so very normally minimised, undermined, or trivialised.

What happens next we take a look at how the two overlap, how they are mutual issues, and how we might introduce more helpful balance between them.

Sexual health awareness

Sexual well-being extends beyond the lack of infection and unplanned pregnancy. It is also a sense of feeling physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially healthy during sex, states the World Health Organization (WHO) definition.

Components of healthy sexual well-being are:

• Safe and consensual sex
• Freedom from violence and discrimination
• Healthy relationships and communication
• Positive body image and sexual self-esteem

Sexual health is in one’s ability to attain and maintain it by being healthy and having positive sexual attitudes, and that begins with being prosperous when it comes to mental health.

How mental health influences sexual behaviour

Your sexual experience, sex drive, and general health are directly influenced by your mind. Some examples of this are given below:

• Stress and anxiety. Stress also murders libido. Too much cortisol (a stress hormone) throws a monkey wrench into the body’s own sex drive. Performance anxiety, among others, can result in erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or inability to get an erection.
• Depression. Depression will lead to low libido, worthlessness, and no sexual interest. Depression causes inability to have sex or closeness.
• Trauma and PTSD. Past history of trauma, however, like sexual abuse, also has an impact on one’s long-term body, consent, and sex outlook. PTSD can cause fear, flashbacks, or numbness, all of which interfere with sex.
• Body image problems. Body image disturbance or low self-esteem could interfere with intimacy comfort. The person might feel that he/she doesn’t deserve to be pleasured or demean him/her, hence impacting the quality of his/her life sexually.
• Side effects of medications. Most antidepressant and psychotropic drugs impact sexuality or libido, confusing or driving the user mad unless freely revealed to health care professionals.

Mental health and sexual health

It’s a two-way street, too. As sex is impacted by bad mental health, sexual dysfunction can also impact mental health.

• Sexual dysfunction. Conditions such as erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, or low libido can lead to stress, embarrassment, and inadequacy, impacting self-esteem and relationship.
• STIs and mental distress. STI diagnosis is also likely to result in fear, shame, fear of judgment, and even depression in the case of no social support.
• Unwanted Pregnancies. Unplanned pregnancy, especially in hostile settings, is likely to result in severe emotional trauma and chronic mental illness.
• Sexual orientation or gender identity issues. Individuals who question or inquire about their sex or gender can be rejected, stigmatized, or experience internal conflict, and this adds to the risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior.

Why we must talk about both

Sex and mental health are both areas that continue to be horribly affected by thick and suffocating social stigma. These pairings can push silences to deaf, and worse yet, damaging, places.

Silences broken:

• We universalise the affective essence of sexuality.
• We encourage early care and cure.
• We demolish shame and construct self-acceptance.

Both professions must join forces so as to provide an integral health. Psychologists will need to screen sexual health conditions, and sexual health clinics will need to follow up and seek out mental wellness.

Practical means of support for both professions

The following are real steps one can take to enhance both sexual and mental well-being:

• Seek professional help. Do not hesitate to speak with a counsellor, a therapist, or sexual health worker. They are usually sensitively trained to handle sensitive issues.
• Talk with partners. Talk about feelings, boundaries, and desires. Communication builds better relationships and removes misunderstandings.
• Educate yourself. Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about relationship dynamics, consent, mental health signs, and sexual anatomy.
• Practise self-care. Mental and sexual health both flourish when you take care of body and mind – sleep, eat, worry less, and move daily.
• Have safe and respectful sex. Protected sex, informed consent, and respect for your partner’s boundaries are your foundation for stress-free, healthy sex.
• Combat shame and stigma. Avoid cultural humiliation about mental illness or being lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Care for yourself and be an empowerment step to future well-being.

Support agencies

There are many organisations and agencies offering sexual as well as mental health counselling:

• Sexual health clinics: STI screening, health sex and contraception counselling.
• Mental health helplines: Anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional suffering counselling.
• Counselling services: Experienced counsellors may be utilized to counsel the sexual function of the emotional.
• Online communities: Net forums and peer networks to share experience and seek help anonymously.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.