A lot of people who feel depressed after sex don’t have an obvious cause for the mood swing. This is sometimes the case with PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), but it can also happen for no apparent reason at all.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions and can often have a direct impact on libido. Here are some reasons why you might be feeling melancholy after sex:
1. Feelings of Inadequacy
Feelings of inadequacy often accompany feelings of depression after sex, and the reason for this could be rooted in a combination of factors. First, it’s important to remember that feeling depressed after sex doesn’t always have anything to do with your relationship status or how much you enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy) the sexual encounter.
In fact, it can be a sign that you need to spend some time alone before getting intimate. You might also be feeling this way because you need more emotional intimacy with your partner than what you’re getting in your current relationship, or because of underlying issues such as past sexual trauma or unprocessed traumatic memories that surface during especially intimate, vulnerable moments.
If you’re feeling this way, it’s a good idea to talk with your partner about the issue if possible and see if you can find solutions that work for both of you. It’s also worth considering professional help, especially if you’re experiencing depression after sex that interferes with your relationships and/or career.
A naturopathic doctor can help you determine whether or not hormones and neurotransmitters are a factor in your mood drop, including testing for prolactin levels. The surge in prolactin during orgasm helps to control dopamine and serotonin levels, which are responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. If these are out of balance, the naturopathic doctor can recommend ways to help restore them to a healthy level.
2 – This information is sourced from the service’s editor ideal-sexe.com. Feelings of Unworthiness
Feeling depressed after sex may be a result of feelings of unworthiness, especially if there is a lack of an emotional connection. This can lead to a feeling of shame about sexual performance, as well as a belief that one’s physical appearance or their sexual prowess is not enough to make them desirable. In turn, this can contribute to a cycle of depression, self-loathing, and anxiety about future relationships.
In addition, sex can evoke feelings of unworthiness in people who have been victims of sexual assault and other traumas. This can cause them to view sex as a threat or something that they must do to survive rather than a form of intimacy. These individuals might also have a hard time establishing a healthy relationship because they are unable to trust others.
It is important to remember that feeling depressed after sex is not a sign of infidelity or a lack of intimacy. However, it is still a good idea to talk about these feelings with your partner(s) and see a therapist if needed. By being open and honest about how you feel, you can both be better able to work together to resolve issues and connect emotionally. Additionally, you can help to lessen the impact of PCD by finding what makes you feel good and doing that often. Whether it is a cup of tea, music, or just being close to someone you love, this can serve as a healthy distraction when the depression hits.
3. Feelings of Low Self-Esteem
Often, feeling depressed after sex is the result of a low self-esteem. Feelings of low self-esteem can manifest in many ways, such as not wanting to hang out with friends, declining invitations, or cancelling plans last minute. Lashing out or becoming aggressive towards others is also a common sign of low self-esteem. These behaviors can be triggered by a variety of things, including feeling let down by a partner or a mismatch in sexual preferences.
For example, if you’re a person who only enjoys casual sex or one-night stands, but you feel obligated to have sex with your significant other due to the state of your relationship, you may end up feeling sad afterward. This is because the sex might not have lived up to your expectations, or the sexual experience might have brought back painful memories of past trauma.
Similarly, if you’re experiencing pain during orgasm, but you push it aside out of fear or because you think the pain must be in your head, you could end up feeling sad afterward. It’s important to talk about these feelings with a naturopathic doctor or couples therapist who can help you resolve conflicts and find solutions that work for both of you.
4. Feelings of Guilt
If you feel depressed after sex, it may be because of feelings of guilt. Often, feeling guilty after sex is caused by unresolved trauma or past experiences, whether a sexual assault or emotional abuse. Certain ways of touching, positions or even sex itself can trigger past traumatic memories and lead to feelings of guilt, shame or fear. If you are experiencing this, it is important to talk about the underlying issues with your partner and consider seeking professional help if needed.
A feeling of sadness after sex can also be caused by a lack of a deep emotional connection with your partner. While some people are able to shut down the emotional side of sex and only view it as a physical pleasure, others need a deeper connection in order to enjoy their sexual encounters. If you are unable to connect emotionally and are consistently pushing aside your feelings, it may be time to reconsider your relationship with your partner.
In the kink community, this is known as “sub drop.” If you are experiencing sub drop, it is essential to discuss this with your partner and seek therapy or support if necessary.
