Why have I been so horny?

 Well, from the title, I know many of you already are either turned off or completely intrigued. Because the topic of sex is taboo. No matter how taboo it is, it remains an important topic to discuss. I aim to catalyze a discussion that is usually uncomfortable for some; SEX and SEXUALITY. Before I lose your interest, I would only ask that you consider the content objectively. You should note that I would be discussing both my professional opinion and referring to literature where necessary. Especially for the Critics.

So, we have spent the past couple of weeks discussing mental health. By now, we should be able to define good mental health and bad mental health. Right? :-/ To recap, poor mental health is categorized by lower resiliency levels, usually affected by our stressors and other things that we deal with in life. Additionally, we have also indicated the relationship between poor mental health and the risk of developing a mental health challenge. So, how does mental health affect our libido?

From the feedback of the last few articles, many have noted the truth that the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected our mental health. There may be some truth to the idea that people have been doing everything they know how, just to be okay. And that’s called ‘coping’, which we have discussed via my vlog (check it our via my FB page Rajiv Gangaram)

Let us get right into it. Research has shown that mental health affects our sex drives or libido in many ways. In some studies, poor mental health negatively influences our sex drives more than physiological challenges.  Some studies that I have read highlighted two significant effects of poor mental health on us. They include:

1.      Hyper sexualization - Extremely high libido/desires for sex. 

2.      Low sex drive – No/below normal desires for sex.

NVD: It should be noted that desiring sex and sexual contact is normal, and normal may vary for each person. The impact of poor mental health or a mental health disorder is where a distortion of these desires occurs.

So, where do we have a problem? Sex is a very normal thing, and we have not discussed it enough to understand what is normal. In my opinion, I believe that sexual desires are normal until they are not. What does this mean? Well, the Mayo Clinic contributes to this blog by stating that the distortion of libido occurs when sexual desires become overwhelming (2021). Overwhelming to the point that it is obsessive. In our local terms, you may have observed that ‘you are horny more than usual’; you have an increase in perverted thoughts, or you use sex to cope with stress. There are other indicators. You can read more about sign here: https://www.healthline.com/health/high-libido#can-it-be-too-high

You see, the desires are one thing. But the other is when those desires and thoughts begin to translate into behaviours and affect your daily life or overall well-being. We begin encountering the problems, possibility abnormalization of our psychology.  In our attempt to cope with these increased desires, many may resort to pornography. Then, when pornography isn’t enough, it becomes underwhelming. We then try to change the type of porn or increase the number of times we look at porn. Why is this so harmful? Well, porn addiction is why. We are so busy trying to keep these feelings under wrap that we become compelled to look at porn all the time, every couple of hours, multiple times of the day and so on. Now, what is interesting, like any addiction, when this distortion of our sexual desires presents itself in a romantic relationship, porn addiction can do grave damage to the sexual and overall dynamic of the relationship with your current partner. We can discuss those at another time.

For those that porn does not appeal to, looking for sex in the ‘real life’ is another way. So, you had a long day; mental health quality is poor, and you use sex to cope. Finding multiple partners to have sex with, this number grow, and grows, and grows, and grows. Your desires for sex with every attractive person that you see becomes overwhelming. It affects your daily functioning and increases your risk of contracting multiple sexually transmitted diseases, and so on.

Using sex as a means of coping with stress can be unhealthy, especially when we are at risk for developing addictions to porn, addictions to sex, and multiple sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, when these affect our social functioning by negatively influencing our relationship with current partners, looking at porn in the workplace, or even sexually harassing every person you may be attracted to.

This article is in no way to judge anyone but to raise awareness that your mental health quality may be at risk. Additionally, this blog does NOT include the signs and diagnostic Criteria for any Sexual Mental Health Disorders. Remember, within our territory, and only a Psychiatric professional can do this. If you would like to discuss new ways of coping with your increase sex drive, join me via my Facebook page : Rajiv Gangaram @socialworkcliniciantt later this week

Remember, if you identify with some of the signs here; do not hesitate to reach out to someone professional or talk to someone you trust. There are options in my previous blog on mental health. Or, you can reach out to me via email and we can discuss it further. 

 

We will look at the impact of poor mental health on the decreased libido at another time. Feedback is welcomed via my emain: rajivgangaramedu@gmail.com


Rajiv Gangaram
Social Worker, Social Researcher
BA Social Work, Master of Social Work (Cand), Cert Psychological First Aid 

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