Masturbation, Mental Health, and Millennials
By Christine Nicole
We’re in the age of mental health and self-care. The ways in which we talk about our mental health has changed dramatically from hush-hush therapy sessions to “I’ve got my therapist on speed dial”. Everywhere you look it seems like there’s a soon-to-be cliche phrase about self-care that rivals the good old Live, Laugh, Love.
But if taking care of ourselves has become a top priority, why are depression rates on the rise? We’re looking at the positive effects that masturbation can have on mental health.
Why Are Millennials So Depressed?
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center on the state of mental health among Millennials, the overall consensus doesn’t exactly reflect this new age of zen living.
Depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness and despair are heavy among the current ages of 23 through 38—and it’s mainly attributed to the current job situation. Millennials are experiencing severe burnout due to working longer hours while getting paid stagnant wages. This has resulted in nearly half the Millennials within the workforce quitting their jobs in the name of mental health.
How Can Masturbation Help?
Millennials aren’t shy about seeking help for what ails them. In fact, they’re paving the way for the destigmatization of getting help for their mental health.
The idea that masturbation directly affects our state of mental health has been circulating around for some time.
Masturbation is a normal and healthy thing that comes with a lot of positive benefits like stress relief, elevated mood, and relaxation. However, it can also have the opposite effects due to guilt and feelings of shame brought on by religion, cultural traditions, and societal standards around female pleasure.
There have been quite a few studies that examine the connection between masturbating to achieve orgasm and mental health. They’ve concluded that orgasming has great temporary benefits for mental health, but it doesn’t directly affect depression as a whole. Think of it more as a stress reliever and a way to practice self-love and mindfulness. Something to keep the symptoms of depression at bay.
So, Do Millennials Masturbate More or Less?
We know that masturbation can provide temporary relief to the symptoms of depression, however, depression directly impacts a persons’ sex drive. So, in this age of self-care, love, and depression, are Millennials masturbating more or less?
According to a recent survey conducted by TENGA, a Japanese sex toy company, Millennials are masturbating more than any other age group. Especially in the age range of 18-24. It’s also worthwhile to note that there isn’t much of a gender gap in numbers with 92 percent of men and 76 percent of women reporting that they’re down to get down with themselves.
What Does it All Mean?
Millennials are having conversations that need to be had. They’re changing how society views and values mental health, and they’re putting masturbation at the forefront of the sexual health experience because of the positive impact that orgasming has on their mental health. Masturbation may not be the ultimate cure for depression, but it comes with some pretty awesome benefits.