This article was written by Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a social psychologist, researcher and award-winning educator. For more information:
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Depression is one of the most common mental health issues facing adults today. At any given point in time, nearly 1 in 5 adults suffer from some form of depression, with 11.5% experiencing mild symptoms, 4.2% experiencing moderate symptoms, and 2.8% experiencing severe symptoms.
The true prevalence of depression may actually be even higher, though, given that not everyone who experiences symptoms seeks medical help.
When it comes to coping with depression, people employ a wide range of strategies, including seeking social support, practicing mindfulness, making lifestyle changes, and obtaining professional help.
Interestingly, a frequently searched-for query related to this is “does sex help with depression?” Many people seem to be curious as to whether sex can reduce depressive symptoms, so let’s explore what the research says.
The Mood Boosting Effects of Sex
In many ways, it is not surprising that so many people have searched online for information about sex a coping mechanism for depression. Odds are, if you’ve been sexually active before, you’ve probably noticed that sex has improved your mood. And that’s one of the reasons we have sex in the first place—it just feels good.
Science backs this up. For example, in a two-week study featuring hundreds of married couples, participants provided daily reports of their sexual activity and mood state. What the researchers found was that, on days people had sex, they received a boost in mood that lasted for about 48 hours afterward.
This phenomenon is often referred to as “afterglow,” and it is thought to be due to biological changes that happen in the brain during sex. Specifically, sex facilitates the release of various hormones and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and oxytocin. These brain chemicals not only make us happy, but they also enhance our feeling of connection to our partners.
So yes, sex can indeed give us a mood boost. But can it actually counteract symptoms of depression?
Sex as a Coping Strategy for Depression
Research has found that some people do indeed use sex as a means of managing their depressive symptoms. In fact, hypersexuality or engaging in high levels of sexual activity is sometimes a side effect of depression.
In this case, sex is used as a form of mood regulation. But because the mood-elevating effects of sex are relatively fleeting, sex often occurs at a high frequency in order to prolong the boost in mood.
However, this can sometimes turn into an unhealthy pattern when it coincides with an increase in sexual risk-taking. Depression has been linked to an increase in risky sexual behavior, such as having unprotected sex and combining substances with sex. Risker behaviors may be sought out as a means of increasing the intensity (and subsequent dopamine release) during sex and/or to create a more immersive experience that takes you out of your head and distracts from depressive symptoms such as rumination.
Engaging in frequent, risky sex can be counterproductive to dealing with depression to the extent that it leads to feelings of regret or shame, which can exacerbate depression and result in a vicious circle.
It’s also worth mentioning that, although some people find that sex helps in managing depression, it’s not an option for many depressed people, especially those with more severe symptoms. Paradoxically, while depression is linked to hypersexuality in some, it’s linked to hyposexuality in others. Depression and antidepressant treatments often coincide with low levels of sexual desire and arousal difficulties, which means that sex might not even be in the realm of possibilities for some depressed individuals.
Can Orgasms Help Depression?
What is the role of orgasm in all of this? The mood-boosting effects of sex appear to be largely mediated by neurochemicals released during orgasm.
Of course, sex can be pleasurable and enhance mood and feelings of connection regardless of whether an orgasm occurs. However, the effects are typically magnified when orgasm occurs because it triggers a greater release of dopamine and oxytocin.
Orgasm can also help in improving mood by facilitating better sleep. Research finds that, following an orgasm (whether through sex or masturbation), people report that it’s easier to fall asleep and that they get better quality sleep.
Getting good sleep is important to maintaining positive mood. However, one of the most common side effects of depression is impaired sleep, which only makes things worse. To the extent that orgasm leads to better sleep, it could potentially help in reducing depressive symptoms in this way as well.
Can a Lack of Sex Cause Depression?
While the focus of this article has been on how sexual activity can help depression, it’s worth acknowledging how a lack of sex can impact depression as well.
As noted above, a common side effect of depression is low libido, and this can actually worsen depressive symptoms. The sexual side effects of depression can be highly distressing. Finding that you have difficulty feeling desire or becoming aroused can result in feelings of inadequacy as well as relationship conflict.
Also, even if you aren’t depressed, a lack of sex (when it’s something you want) can sometimes trigger depression. For example, involuntary celibacy involves having a desire for sex but being unable to act on it (e.g., because you cannot find a partner or because you’re in a sexless relationship). Research finds that depression is common among people who find themselves involuntarily celibate.
Takeaways
With all of that said, it does appear to be the case that sex has mood-boosting properties and, for some, may provide temporary relief from depression.
However, it is important to recognize that sex is not a cure for depression and, therefore, should not be solely relied upon for treating it. It’s a temporary fix and is likely most effective for mild depressive symptoms. Also, keep in mind that sex isn’t always a healthy coping mechanism, such as when you find yourself frequently engaging in risky behaviors as a form of escape, which can make depression worse.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression for a prolonged period of time and it’s starting to negatively affect your life, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider in order to identify the cause and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
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