Sexual activity isn’t just biological, but about health and emotional balance too – Firstpost

In the labyrinth of human experience, the intersection of sexual activity and mental health reveals a complex tapestry of physical pleasure and psychological well-being. Imagine a symphony where every note—from stress relief to sexual satisfaction—plays a crucial role in harmonising the human experience.

Sexual activity isn’t just a biological function. It’s a reflection of overall health and emotional balance. Like a finely tuned instrument, the body and mind must be in sync to truly experience the profound pleasure that sexual activity can offer. Through this dialogue with Dr Anshu Kulkarni, a Mumbai-based senior consultant psychiatrist, the delicate threads connecting physical intimacy with mental health will be unravelled, shedding light on how different dynamics—whether in straight or LGBTQ+ relationships—shape experiences and perceptions.

How do you observe the relationship between sexual activity and stress relief?

Sexual activity requires a healthy body. A healthy body includes a healthy brain and overall well-being both physically and mentally. Just as every system in the body has its own functions, the reproductive system has its role too.

Similarly, since it’s all about achieving a balanced emotional, mental and physical state, that’s what contributes to good sexual health. It’s just one aspect of it. Stress relief can come from socialising, reading or any other activities we engage in. In the same way, practicing sexuality varies from person to person.

What patterns have you identified in how sexual satisfaction or dissatisfaction influences overall mental well-being?

So, like other forms of learning and activities, all of these work by providing a certain sense of pleasure, right? This pleasure is processed by the brain through the release of dopamine. Similarly, sexual activity is also associated with dopamine release. Dopamine release is similar to positive learning, which makes us feel good when we engage in activities that bring us pleasure. The same applies to sexual activity.

How does sexual dysfunction contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression or vice versa?

It’s a vicious cycle. One needs to have a healthy body and a healthy brain to engage in sexual activity, which is just a normal part of daily life. There’s nothing particularly different about it. However, since all activity begins in the brain, if we are happy, we feel motivated to engage in it. This motivation extends to speaking, connecting emotionally, and physically with our partner or partners, as it varies greatly from person to person.

When we are mentally healthy, we are more inclined to engage in sexual activity. Conversely, if someone is not doing well mentally, whether due to anxiety, depression, psychosis, or any other condition, sexual activity, like other activities, can be affected. It may impact one’s desire for pleasure, perceptions of their partner and ability to relate to their partner among other aspects.

And not to overlook, certain medications can cause diminished sexual libido or, in men, issues with ejaculation or erection, and in women, decreased libido. These effects can also impact sexual activity. Therefore, as mental health professionals, we must be informed and aware that there’s no specific age limit to sexual activity.

It’s important to have open conversations with our clients about their physical intimacy with their partners. We should ask how they are feeling in this regard because if their illness or medication is affecting them, they may be too shy or reluctant to open up unless we encourage this dialogue.

I would also like to emphasise that not all psychotropic medications cause these issues, and not all individuals will experience them. It’s important to be aware of this. For example, if I take a certain medication, my reaction to it may be different from someone else’s. This varies from person to person. Therefore, it’s not true that all psychotropic medications lead to sexual dysfunction.

What role do you believe self-esteem and body image play in the sexual and mental health of a person?

If a person is comfortable with their body, they are more likely to engage in healthy sexual activity. Some people might be so uncomfortable with their appearance that they shy away from looking at themselves in the mirror or while showering. It’s important for individuals to be comfortable with the way they look, although this can be very subjective.

A person may be preoccupied with thoughts about their appearance, worrying about how they look or how they are perceived by their partner. This preoccupation can hinder their ability to engage in sexual activity as it all starts in the brain.

How do these factors differ in their impact between straight and LGBTQ+ individuals?

I think it’s important to consider how these factors impact individuals differently in opposite-sex relationships compared to those in LGBTQ relationships. For LGBTQ individuals, the impact can be similar, but their experiences may be more complex due to their personal and social struggles.

For instance, I have a client with schizophrenia who is receiving treatment and has a same-sex orientation. He is very cautious about medication and wants to understand how it might affect him, particularly in terms of sexual expression. For some people, how they express themselves sexually is crucial, as it significantly impacts their life due to the social challenges they face. Thus, understanding and addressing these concerns is essential.

How do relationship dynamics, including emotional intimacy, factor into the mental health challenges faced by an individual?

In a physical relationship, intimacy is a crucial precursor. This question addresses how relationship dynamics, including emotional intimacy, factor into mental health challenges faced by an individual. Emotional intimacy involves engaging with another person, interpreting signals, understanding conversations, recognising subtle cues, and being aware of one’s own reactions. If someone is facing mental health challenges, emotional intimacy can be affected.

For example, someone with major depressive disorder or a thought disorder might be preoccupied with their own ruminations and thoughts, making it difficult to connect with others and perceive their cues. As a result, their emotional intimacy may suffer. Similarly, if a person is overly focused on sexual activity and disconnected from their partner’s needs and signals, they may not be on the same page, impacting the relationship. These dynamics illustrate how mental health challenges can affect emotional intimacy and overall relationship quality.

Have you noticed different challenges or needs between straight couples and LGBTQ+ couples? What challenges do you see in addressing sexual health within the context of psychiatric care?

Yes, as I mentioned, expressing sexual identity is particularly important for LGBTQ individuals. Mental health professionals must be cautious and considerate when discussing this aspect. For example, if there are two people—one with a different sexual orientation and the other LGBTQ—it is crucial for the mental health professional to carefully address their expectations and challenges related to medication.

It’s important to understand and respect what is on the patient’s mind, as sexual expression can be a significant aspect of their life. Professionals should not overlook these concerns. Beyond this, there is no fundamental difference in how these issues should be addressed.

Are there specific barriers that LGBTQ+ patients face in accessing appropriate care for their sexual health? How does societal stigma around sexual orientation and identity affect the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals?

Awareness about safe sex practices, family planning, gender-affirmative procedures and preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections, cancers and fertility is notably lacking within the LGBTQ+ community. Many LGBTQ+ individuals do not receive this crucial education at an early age and biases and negative experiences with healthcare providers further exacerbate the issue.

How do you balance the focus between addressing sexual health and other aspects of a person’s mental well-being?

Negative psychological well-being, including conditions like depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis, can hinder sexual health. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension also affect sexual health, highlighting the need for increased awareness of their interconnection. There is a need for greater emphasis on female sexual health, including sexual satisfaction and orgasm, as well as addressing social and cultural biases. It’s important to screen for mental health issues during vulnerable times, such as pregnancy and menopause. Conversely, individuals with high life satisfaction and good psychological well-being generally experience better sexual health.

How do different sexual positions, such as a female-dominant position or a male-dominant position, impact intimacy and pleasure for individuals experiencing erectile dysfunction or other challenges?

Different sexual positions can impact intimacy and pleasure in various ways. For instance, a female-dominant position may enhance the experience of affection and intimacy, as it allows for a more expressive form of connection. On the other hand, if someone is experiencing erectile dysfunction, a male-dominant position might be more helpful and advised in such cases. This adjustment can contribute to a more satisfying and comfortable experience for both partners.

In what ways do expressions of affection, such as kisses, contribute to the overall experience of intimacy and pleasure in a relationship, especially when both partners are in sync and enjoying the activity together?

Expressions of affection, like kisses, play a significant role in enhancing intimacy and pleasure. When both partners are on the same page and fully engaged in the activity, kisses can serve as a meaningful expression of love and connection. This mutual enjoyment and communication can elevate the overall experience, making the moment more pleasurable and fulfilling.

Do the dynamics of intimate moments change when a partner, whether male or female, say physically lifts and carries the other? Specifically, do these actions provide mental satisfaction in addition to the obvious physical satisfaction?

Aside from the personal pleasure and fantasy it may provide, there are few tangible benefits. In fact, it might contribute to unrealistic expectations fuelled by movies and media, unless specific positions, such as one partner being on top, enhance manoeuvrability and sexual satisfaction.