Are Increased Depression and Decreased Libido Linked?

What if your mood and desire were linked to a fragile balance... that of your mental health? Depression, stress, or anxiety—these states of mind don't just darken your days; they can also impact your libido and lead to sexual dysfunction. This topic, often taboo, affects many people. How can you break this vicious cycle to regain serenity and fulfillment in your (intimate) life? We reveal all in this article. And we give you all the keys to reconnect with yourself and your partner.

Why does depression sometimes mean loss of libido?

The links between mental health and decreased libido are complex and multifaceted. Whether we're talking about depression, anxiety, or more severe depression, the repercussions on sexual life are generally significant. We'll explain why.

The biological mechanisms at play

You might not know it, but mental health primarily relies on a delicate balance of biological mechanisms that have numerous impacts on our bodies and emotions. Thus, certain mental disorders can cause significant chemical and hormonal imbalances.

For example, cortisol (the stress hormone) plays a central role in our body. However, as soon as we are subject to anxiety disorders or prolonged stress, the body produces it in excess. This is because it focuses on managing stress and neglects other functions, particularly those related to pleasure or reproduction. The result, as you might have guessed: almost guaranteed lack of libido.

Also, certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine (which regulate mood and feelings of pleasure), can sometimes be imbalanced. When our dopamine levels decrease (which often happens during anxiety or depressive disorders), our general motivation takes a hit, especially that related to intimacy. The same phenomenon occurs with dopamine, which, in insufficient quantities, can make sexual intercourse less appealing.

 

Mental load and its psychological impact

We must also not underestimate the powerful link between sexual dysfunction and mental load, often invisible but omnipresent. This burden, linked to the management of domestic and family tasks, particularly weighs on women. Indeed, women are used to juggling professional, personal, and parental responsibilities. However, accumulating all these obligations eventually leads to mental and physical exhaustion. With that, clearly: little room for relaxation or sexual desire!

Because when the brain is overloaded with an endless to-do list, it's difficult to focus on one's own well-being or intimacy. The stress due to mental load can become almost permanent – it then leads to a decrease in libido, or even a total absence of desire, which can lead to more significant sexual disorders. In short, it's a vicious circle that is sometimes difficult to break free from.

Have you just given birth and feel a little down? It's perfectly normal. We explain why in our article on the baby blues!

The impact of antidepressants on libido

We are also aware of the impact of antidepressants on libido. Although they are essential for treating psychological disorders like depression, they can also have significant side effects on sexuality. Why? Because the commonly prescribed medication, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), is also known to impact sexual function by:

• reducing intimate desire;
• prolonging the time to orgasm;
• causing erectile difficulties.

Does the antidepressant/libido link still not seem clear to you? Let's go further in our explanations. These side effects are due to the direct action of the drugs on our neurotransmitters. While they increase serotonin levels (which stabilizes mood), they can also cause dopamine, a key hormone in pleasure and motivation, to drop. And, notably, in the sexual sphere.

It should be noted that this loss of libido often adds an additional difficulty in a context already marked by fragile mental health. And, consequently, it can sometimes be very difficult to live with.

A spiral that affects the couple

Finally, be aware that the impact of poor mental health (or an excessive mental load) is not limited to the individual... It can also affect the couple's relationship. Thus, going through a period of anxiety, depression, or other psychological disorders can lead to a decrease in sexual relations between two partners. The person suffering from sexual dysfunction may be overwhelmed by guilt for not "meeting expectations" and have difficulty sharing their feelings. While the other, in turn, may find themselves in incomprehension. And thus, feel rejected.

A current issue in France

The mental health of French people has clearly deteriorated in recent years, with significant consequences for birth rates and sexuality.

Deteriorating mental health

The report published by Vie publique is unequivocal: in 2021, 20.8% of young people aged 18-24 were affected by depression, compared to only 11.7% in 2017. They are also less likely than their elders to take care of their mental health or to believe that there are good solutions for treating depression or anxiety.

According to another study conducted by Ifop in October 2023, 77% of French people who experienced financial problems suffered from:

• intense stress;
• anxiety;
• or nervousness.

The survey also reveals that 32% of people facing money problems reported, in parallel, sexual dysfunction and a decrease in libido.

Correlation with declining birth rates

Another alarming indicator: the decline in birth rates. Indeed, in 2023, fewer babies were conceived! Vie publique reports that the number of births fell to approximately 677,800, a decrease of 6.6% compared to 2022. This is the lowest number of births since the baby boom of the 1960s and 70s.

This drop can be explained by several factors... including the context of stress and instability in the country, which, inevitably, influences the parental choices of French people. Because anxiety linked to increasingly difficult living conditions (precariousness, cost of education) can clearly deter many from wanting to have children.

Libido also plays an indirect but important role in this equation. Because a decrease in sexual performance and sexual satisfaction among French people means fewer chances of conception. And, consequently, fewer babies being born.

How to regain your zest for life and your libido?

Good news: it is possible to act to restore emotional and sexual balance. Since depression and libido are intimately linked... Solutions for one often contribute to improving the other!

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

So, how to increase your libido and regain your zest for life? By starting with a healthy lifestyle. Yes, your lifestyle plays a fundamental role in your mental and sexual health. And, as surprising as it may seem, boosting your mood, your libido, and regaining pleasurable sexual relations... can start with your plate!

Adopt a balanced diet, rich in nutrients such as:

• omega-3;
• B vitamins;
• antioxidants.

Why? Because they promote proper brain function and improve mood. You'll find them in:

• nuts;
• fatty fish;
• or even dark chocolate…

Which are also known for their positive effects on sexual desire. All good!

At the same time, try to do some sport. Good physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones. These help reduce stress and increase energy levels, and therefore your libido.

The last cornerstone of good sexual satisfaction: sleep! Yes, in addition to being vital for mood, quality sleep regulates hormone levels involved in intimate desire, such as testosterone.

Looking for a boost to regain energy after childbirth? Our postpartum dietary supplements will catch your eye!

Reconnect with couple intimacy

Depression can sometimes isolate, we understand that. But don't forget this: the couple can also be a space for mutual support. Thus, limiting the aggravation of sexual disorders also involves regaining complicity with your partner. So, share your feelings, your frustrations, and your expectations. Without taboo. Because these exchanges can not only strengthen your emotional bond... but also break the vicious cycle of emotional isolation.

Try doing activities together: massage, a walk in the forest, yoga... Why not cook together? That could rekindle your complicity and help you regain emotional balance. These shared moments have a positive impact on mood, and by extension, on libido and sexual function.

Seek professional support

Of course, if you have already tried all of this or feel truly stuck, do not hesitate to consult a health professional. A psychologist or sexologist can help you identify the root causes of your decreased libido, whether they are emotional, hormonal, or relational. You can also bring your partner to couple's therapy to work on your communication and intimacy. In short, don't stay alone!

Fighting against depression and low libido is, above all, about understanding their close link. The solutions involve a healthy lifestyle, professional support, and working on communication within the couple. Every small step counts towards achieving long-term balance. So, remember: the path may be long, but it is accessible, and the benefits are immense.