Does lack of sex contribute to depression? Well according to a study by anti-depressant pharmaceutical firm Pharma Dynamics, little bedroom action elevates symptoms of depression in South African women.
The study polled 700 women between ages 18 and 55 on the effects that sex – or the lack thereof – have on their mental well-being.
According to Pharma Dynamics spokesperson Tumi Motsei, More than 70% of women surveyed, said the absence of sexual intimacy in their relationships made them feel depressed and led to doubts about self-worth.
That’s not all. As many as 64% measured their self-esteem, femininity and desirability directly to how their partner responds to them sexually.
“When a man starts to withdraw physically, it is natural for a woman to believe that her partner is losing interest in her, thereby impacting self-esteem and feelings of attractiveness. Women who measure their self-esteem by how men respond to their sexuality are particularly vulnerable to fears of rejection,” says Tumi Motsei.
Tumi Motsei also offered the following coping mechanisms to help women deal with sexual rejection:
1. Don’t take it personally – remind yourself that your partner’s lack of interest in sex may not be about you
2. Try a new approach. Don’t initiate sex for a while and see what happens
3. Examine your relationship and ask yourself what was different about the times when your partner was more interested in sex and try to somehow recreate those conditions
4. Focus on what makes you happy, for example, spending time with friends, starting a new hobby, joining a sport or dance club etc. If he sees you focusing on yourself rather than your sex life, he might want to become more involved in ‘every’ aspect of your life.
Phil
“Man lives for sex.” (Sigmund Freud) is true and real. I believe in that.