Depression hurts, and so does ED. Both these issues are interrelated, and you need to look at the bigger picture regarding both!
In fact, studies show that people with depression are 39% more likely to experience Erectile Dysfunction than those without it. It all goes back to how the mind affects the body and vice versa. Let’s look at what’s happening beneath the surface and find out how to steal back your erection!
- Episode Video
- How Depression Affects the Body
- How to Beat Depression to Get Your Erection Back
- Final Thoughts
Episode Video
How Depression Affects the Body
The nervous system (which is controlled by the brain) triggers an erection and arousal. If the mind isn’t functioning optimally, the penis certainly won’t, either. I go as far as to say that the brain is your biggest sexual organ.
It starts with the body’s senses. You see, taste, feel, hear, and smell and the brain reacts by processing your emotions to release the correct hormones into the body. When you’re aroused, the blood vessels follow suit, giving blood to the muscles responsible for an erection.
Depression is like a big stick jamming up the wheels of this system or cycle. Depression (which can also include anxiety) saps your confidence by not allowing you to produce the hormones necessary to give you an erection. When you couple that with taking antidepressants, drinking, smoking, and even Viagra, it all ends up furthering the issue rather than fixing it.
Those who already suffer from ED are also at risk of developing depression and performance anxiety, leading to the same effects.
How to Beat Depression to Get Your Erection Back
Many people deal with depression, and I won’t sugarcoat that there is an easy fix to get yourself back on track. But, after a trip to your doctor to see if treatments can help, you may be able to reclaim your function.
First off, exercise is a must. If you experience even mild depression, exercise can help you produce the hormones (endorphins, serotonin, dopamine) that are being hindered by it.
Second, you are what you eat. Yes, what you eat can either feed depression or aid in stopping it. Eating healthier foods high in nutrients will produce more energy in the body. More energy means healthier bodily functions.
Next, take care of the mind. Depression affects the mind, which in turn, affects the body. Here are three things I recommend to reclaim your mental health:
- Connect with nature. If you can, take a break and pause to reconnect with the natural. It can be as simple as taking walks in the park or even going on a retreat.
- Try practicing meditation. Meditation is a great way to connect with ourselves and our own bodies. It can help you readjust and become a healthy daily practice to regulate emotions and thought patterns.
- Keep your lines of communication. When was the last time you connected with friends? I mean, truly connected. Not on the phone or social media. Staying connected to trusted friends and socializing keeps your “happy hormones” stable. It also serves as a gateway to support your recovery.
Final Thoughts
I’ve said it hundreds of times, and I’ll repeat it now. Talk to your doctor if you want to know how to recover from ED. Do blood work and figure out what’s happening in the unseen. If things come back clear and you still experience erectile dysfunction, it may be time to turn your attention to depression and start treating it.
Remember, one can cause the other, and it goes the other way. That also means you can treat both by changing your lifestyle and focusing on mental and physical health.
Additional Resources
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