SEX AND DEPRESSION: THE ROLE OF MASTURBATION

What comes to mind when you hear about masturbation, do you think it’s something bad or filthy or maybe it is something that should be enjoyed? Masturbation is a healthful and enjoyable activity that has many possible health benefits.

What is Masturbation?

Masturbation is the act of stimulating oneself towards the achievement of sexual pleasure. Some people are embarrassed about masturbating because there are a lot of myths out there that masturbation is dirty and shameful. It may seem like nobody does it, because masturbating is private and people usually don’t talk about it. But the honest truth is most people masturbate. It is a common, safe activity that can offer many sexual health benefits, but some religions and cultures continue to prohibit it and although masturbation does not cause depression, a person’s religious, cultural, or social views may cause them to feel bad about it.

Masturbation does not cause depression it could actually help with it. It is a natural, pleasurable activity that may boost self-esteem and help a person explore their sexuality. Masturbation can make people happy by releasing endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters associated with joyful feelings that can improve your overall mood, and yes, they can help fight off depression.

Masturbating to orgasm can also produce a chemical called oxytocin, which works as a natural pain reliever and can help reduce headaches and muscle aches, masturbation, and orgasms, for many, are a way of releasing pent-up energy and can help people relax while giving them a calm, content feeling.

Benefits of masturbation

The possible health benefits of masturbation include:

• 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 which helps a person feel relaxed and improves their sleep.
• 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. It helps a person know his/her body and the point at which satisfaction is achieved.
• Increasing sex drive
• Boosts self-esteem: Masturbation may also improve a person’s body confidence and self-esteem.