How to Cope With Erectile Dysfunction and Depression
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man is unable to get and maintain an erection just before or during sexual intercourse. ED as it is commonly known is prevalent among men of all ages. The damage that this condition does is both physical and emotional. The good news is that this condition is easily treatable in most cases, but if left untreated it can cause havoc in the persona and life of the person affected from it. The most common problem that men who suffer from erectile dysfunction face, apart from the very obvious loss of sex life, is depression.
Depression slowly builds up if the feeling of anger, frustration and melancholia are not dealt with in the right manner. These feelings arise if the person with ED has not taken any medical advice to get to know and treat their condition. Communication is the key here; and not only with their doctor but with their partner as well. Let your doctor and partner know that you are feeling sad or frustrated. Talking openly about how you feel is the first step to beating depression which can accompany erectile dysfunction.
The most common symptoms associated with depression are as follows:
- Listlessness
- Loss of self confidence
- Physical and mental weariness
- Dramatic decrease or increase in appetite
- Disturbed sleep
- Feeling of loneliness
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction and the above mentioned symptoms, it is advisable that you seek qualified medical help. Explain fully to your doctor about how you feel, don’t feel embarrassed as there is nothing to feel ashamed about. Your doctor can then guide you to the proper treatment for your depression. The treatment can include medications like anti-depressants and or counseling. Please be upfront about your erectile dysfunction as your doctor needs this information to prescribe the right type of anti-depressant accordingly (there are some anti-depressant medication which can aggravate or intensify ED).
You can go to a licensed therapist to get individual or couple counseling. Make sure to involve your partner in the whole process as she can then better understand about what you are going through and can help you overcome it. This will also improve and strengthen the bond between the two of you.
Erectile dysfunction is treatable and there is no reason for you to suffer from it in silence. Seek professional medical help to reclaim not only your sex life but also your emotional and mental health.