What you should know about depression and sex

According to MoodHacker, at least 19 million Americans experience depression each year. And that doesn’t necessarily mean a major episode of clinical depression. Mild depression affects 1 out of 7 people and women are more likely to feel it.

If you or your significant other struggles with depression, here are some articles to help you navigate its impact on your relationship and sex life. We hope they help.

• WebMD explains how depression may impact your libido and why it’s important to treat depression first and then work on its sexual side effects if you experience some.

• CNN Health lists five ways to fight depression in the bedroom.

• The National Institute of Mental Health has a free, downloadable book on women and depression. It is available in an English and Spanish version, and it’s full of useful information on treatment options.

• If you’d like a personal account of how depression can change libido, Nerve features a well-written essay on how anti-depressants changed one guy’s sex drive and what he did about it.

• Voxxi helps you understand and say goodbye to depression in your 20s.

• Of course we’ve covered depression and birth control. Check out this article from Bedsider’s Provider Perspectives and learn about contraception and your mood.

• For a little pick-me-up, Tiny Buddha offers 20 thoughts to help relieve anxiety and depression.

• And should you ever find yourself in crisis, please call your health care provider, 911, or the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

We always say we want you happy and healthy and we mean it.

Remember that,
Bedsider

P.S. Bring us your birth control questions. We’ll provide the answers you’re looking for.