Your sex life and depression

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and helplessness are typical features of depression. These feelings can have a great effect on people’s everyday lives. Tiredness, reduced self-confidence, and loss of sex drive are also common.

If you’re depressed and have lost interest in sex, don’t worry – you are not alone. Surveys show that about two out of three people who suffer from depression lose interest in sex. It’s important to understand that this lack of interest is as much a symptom of depression as feeling low. Both probably result from imbalances in brain chemistry. Reduced sexual activity may also be accompanied by weight loss, reduced energy and disturbed sleep.

Depression Signs and Symptoms

Adults: You may be said to be suffering from a major depressive episode if you have a depressed mood for at least two weeks and have at least five of the following symptoms:

* Feeling sad or blue


* Crying spells


* Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities


* Significant increase or decrease in appetite


* Significant weight loss or weight gain


* Inability to sleep or excessive sleeping


* Agitation or irritability


* Fatigue or loss of energy


* Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt


* Thoughts of death or suicide