Suppressing your arousal signals is the practice of limiting how you respond to physical sensations that are typically associated with sexual activity. It can have negative effects on your desire for sexual contact, especially if it's done consistently. When you suppress your arousal signals, you may find yourself feeling less interested in having sex or even losing interest altogether. This can lead to reduced satisfaction with intimate relationships. You might also begin to feel isolated, ashamed, or even depressed because of this loss of desire. Here's why suppression of arousal signals affects desire:
When you suppress your arousal signals, you're essentially telling your brain that what's happening isn't important enough to pay attention to. Your brain then becomes less active and focused on these sensations.
This can cause your brain to become less responsive to them, making it harder for you to experience desire.
When you suppress your arousal signals, you miss out on the opportunity to connect with your partner emotionally. Sexual activity often involves an emotional connection between partners, so without allowing yourself to fully engage in those feelings, you may lose touch with your partner as well.
Suppressing your arousal signals can lead to a loss of trust in your body. If you don't allow yourself to follow through on natural desires, you may start to question whether or not you truly want to be sexual at all. All of these factors contribute to a decline in desire over time.
If you've been suppressing your arousal signals, there are steps you can take to reconnect with your desire. First, try to identify the reasons behind your suppression. Are you worried about being judged by others? Do you have negative beliefs about sexuality? Once you understand why you're doing it, you can work on changing those beliefs. Next, practice responding to your physical sensations without suppressing them. This might mean taking some deep breaths, relaxing into the feeling, or even seeking out professional help if needed.
Remember that sex is meant to be enjoyable! Take time to focus on pleasure instead of performance and let go of any expectations around how things "should" look or feel. With patience and effort, you can regain your desire and improve your intimate relationships.
How does suppression of arousal signals affect desire?
Suppressing sexual arousal signals is known to cause a decrease in sexual desire. The primary reason for this is that when individuals experience physical pleasure in their bodies, it triggers the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of reward and motivation. When an individual suppresses these signals, they are unable to receive this same rewarding sensation, leading to decreased motivation to pursue further stimulation.