The suppression of sexual impulses is necessary for many people in their daily lives, especially when it comes to maintaining friendships and professional relationships. This can be particularly difficult when these relationships involve feelings that may arise from a lack of control. In this article, we will explore what happens in the body when someone suppresses their sexual urges and how it affects mental health.
When it comes to sexual impulses, they are typically triggered by hormones and physical stimulation. These impulses are often considered normal and natural, but they can also lead to unhealthy behaviors if not managed appropriately. Suppressing sexual impulses means resisting those urges and desires so that you do not act on them.
An individual might want to have sex with their coworker, but refraining from doing so would mean avoiding any potential consequences such as losing your job or damaging your reputation.
In order to understand why someone might choose to suppress their sexuality, we need to look at the physical effects of doing so. When a person holds back their sexual impulse, there is a release of dopamine which creates pleasure and satisfaction.
This process causes a buildup of cortisol in the body, leading to stress levels increasing. The more stress that is created, the more likely it is that someone will experience negative emotions like anxiety or depression. These negative emotions then lead to further suppression of sexual impulses, creating a vicious cycle.
It's important to note that sexual repression doesn't just impact one part of our lives - it can spread into other areas too. A 2017 study found that people who reported feeling repressed in their daily life were more likely to report symptoms associated with anxiety disorders than those who did not feel repressed.
Another study found that men who felt pressured to repress their sexuality had higher rates of aggression and violence towards women compared to men who didn't feel pressure for sexual repression.
Sexual repression has been linked to poor mental health outcomes across many different populations and settings.
So how can we break free from this cycle? One way is through therapy where individuals can work on understanding the root cause of their repressed feelings and learn strategies to manage them effectively. Another approach is to find alternative ways to express sexual desires without actually engaging in sex itself - such as masturbation or journaling about your fantasies. Whatever method you choose, remember that suppressing sexual urges long-term isn't healthy for anyone involved.
What are the emotional consequences of suppressing sexual impulses in order to maintain friendship or professional relationships?
Suppressing sexual impulses can be emotionally draining for individuals as it requires them to constantly restrain their natural urges, which may lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, shame, and isolation. The act of denying oneself sexual gratification may also cause anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem over time if left unchecked.