Masturbation is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you call it “jilling off”, “choking the chicken” or “spanking the monkey” – the end result is pleasure and that lovely post-orgasmic glow. However, could masturbation provide more than just wonderful physical sensations? Could all those feel-good moments genuinely improve your mental health? Does masturbating help with depression? There’s some evidence to suggest that going solo can improve your mental health, but let’s dig a little deeper.
Depression Affects 21 Million Every Year
Evidence would suggest that major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. It affects more than 8% (21 million) of American adults each year. Full-blown depression is incredibly difficult to deal with, this is not just ‘feeling down,’ telling someone to simply ‘cheer up’ is not the solution.
Depression can color every aspect of our lives. A major depressive disorder can cause a persistent feeling of sadness and cause a loss of interest in the world around us. It can affect how you feel, think and behave, and can lead to a variety of emotional issues such as severe mood swings, and physical challenges such as constant nausea. Feelings of low self-worth and helplessness are also common during major depressive episodes.
Does Masturbation Help With Depression?
It’s unlikely that masturbation alone will replace proper counseling and carefully crafted medication regimens, but in certain cases, it might be able to help in the fight against depression. But, before you reach for the lube, let’s take a closer look at how masturbation may help you deal with the debilitating effects of anxiety and depression.
1. Mmmm. Those Feel-Good Chemicals
Your body is a highly efficient factory for producing hormones and chemicals that can alter mood – some for the better, some for the worse. The good news is that the brain secretes those ‘feel-good’, post-masturbation chemicals and hormones in bucketloads when we cum, and that can have a positive impact on our mood.
Dopamine
Dopamine is often called the "pleasure hormone." Masturbation, and penetrative sex both cause your brain to release dopamine, the King of the ‘Feel-Good’ chems. Dopamine makes you feel incredible, and it elevates your mood.
Oxytocin
But, your brain rewards masturbation in another way, and that’s through the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, is often referred to as the ‘cuddle’ or ‘love’ hormone. It plays a significant role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and childbirth. Oxytocin can help relieve stress and induce feelings of calm and closeness, even if you're alone.
Oxytocin may also reduce cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Consistent release of this feel-good “cuddle hormone” may help with lowering stress and anxiety levels.
Our fast-paced, highly stressful modern lifestyle means chronically high cortisol levels. Oxytocin comes to the rescue. The more oxytocin, the less stress. Less stress means less anxiety and less anxiety means less likelihood of falling prey to depression.
In short, masturbation not only feels great, but it can also break the links between stress and full-blown depression.
2. Benefits of Masturbation Are Well-Documented
It’s not headline news that masturbation feels good and that orgasms should be a part of your life. But, self-pleasure is much more than a good time roll in the hay. Touching yourself causes your brain to start secreting oxytocin, but that’s not all.
There are also studies that show the benefits of masturbation when it comes to increasing self-esteem. Feeling better about who you are and accepting your body are both effective ways of preventing depression. Let’s also not forget about those anti-depressant endorphins.
Masturbation makes us feel good - and not just ‘in the moment’. It can have incredible long-term effects when it comes to our mental health. In a world that places so many time restrictions on use, and where sexual partnering comes with its challenges, masturbation is not only a sexual release but part and parcel of an emotionally balanced lifestyle.
3. Masturbation and Pain
That’s not the title of a sex education film, it refers to how masturbation can soothe aches and pains. If you are experiencing joint pain or muscle pain, masturbation can help.
Masturbation stimulates the release of endorphins - another class of hormones that make you feel good, and also deaden pain. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors of your brain and alter your perception of pain.
If you have chronic pain, it’s a safe bet you’re not happy. Chronic pain can lead to depression. Masturbation can help you control pain, but let’s be clear, if you are experiencing chronic pain and you haven’t already done so, consult your doctor.
4. Sex Toys and Masturbation
The psychological impact of using sex toys should not be underestimated. Using the right toy for masturbation can be tremendously empowering, and help you to understand what turns you on. Women using sex toys can engage in clitoral stimulation, which for many is the key to orgasms.
Men can enjoy a host of sex toys including penetrative and non-penetrative toys like cock rings, vibrators, sex sleeves (strokers) and prostate massagers. Then there are the unisex joys of butt plugs.
The opportunities for pleasure are almost endless.
The choice can be overwhelming. So we’ve taken a look at BerryLemon customer feedback and identified some sex toys that will put a smile on your face while you search for that anxiety-reducing orgasm.
Classic Wand Massagers
Bewitch'd - Bewitch’d is our most powerful vibrator. It’s a cordless vibrating wand massager designed with one aim - orgasmic bliss. With 10 modes and patterns, if you are going to choose one vibrator this is it.
Prostate Massagers
Wake - A remote vibrating prostate massager like Wake allows you to enjoy 10 remote-controlled pulse patterns and it’s gentle and manageable enough for both beginner’s and experienced prostate toy users to enjoy.
Wes - is a vibrating prostate massager that is perfect for those who are new to prostate experiences. It’s only 3 inches long and 1 inch wide so it’s not intimidating for the newbie. The Wes boasts a 10-speed vibration function - and a rolling pleasure point that mimics the gentle ‘come hither’ finger motion that is proven to provide fireworks.
Butt Plugs
Leo - is the perfect butt plug for both beginners and the more experienced. This premium silicone butt plug is a manageable 4.5" long and 1.5" wide, and it’s perfectly tapered for comfortable insertion. It also has two powerful motors – one in the taper and one at the rotating base. Leo also has a remote control and 10 massage modes, so you get to set your own pace.
Clit Suction Vibrators
Aura - is part clit sucker and part vibrating dildo and features dual motors, and 7 pulse patterns to excite externally and internally. Unmatched flexibility allows you to stimulate or tease with one end, and take it to the next level with the other.
This popular vibrator has received 5-star reviews from BerryLemon customers and combines variable speed and sensation with orgasmic clit action. The best part is that it’s reversible. Up the pace by moving from clit to penetration.
Stokers
Air Helix2 - This innovative manual male stroker doesn’t require batteries, meaning you’re ready to go anytime. The Air Helix2 features a luxuriously textured, pliable silicone helix sleeve that tightens as you enter it, and air pressure valves that create potent suction - a sensory symphony that transcends the ordinary climax.
Its sleek design, featuring a transparent casing with six strategically placed air holes, allows you to adjust the suction strength with a simple fingertip cover.
Cock Rings
Cock rings can delay orgasm, giving you more control and transforming orgasms into a truly explosive experience. If you are looking to up your orgasm and anti-stress game, then ‘ORO’ is a fun solution.
This 21st-century cock ring has everything newbies or experienced sex toy users could want.
Perfect for couples or solo play, ORO boasts 9 modes and vibration patterns and is made for gentle medical-grade silicone.
These are only a selection of BerryLemon’s extensive collection of toys suitable for either sex and every taste.
Does Masturbating Help with Depression?
It’s unlikely that masturbation alone will replace proper counseling and carefully crafted medication regimens, but in certain cases, it might be able to help in the fight against depression.
So, does masturbation help with depression and anxiety?
It definitely can't hurt! And for some, regular masturbation will help improve mental health.
Bonus: Sex toys and masturbation allow you the freedom to explore your sensuality without fear of taboos, stigma or shame. Self-pleasuring allows you to do you (literally). That can be the most stress-free and relaxing sexual experience you will ever have.
