MHM Magazine

12 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2023 | Issue 2 MHM Sex is the most basic of acts for human beings. It's an instinct we all are born with. Yet this is often the one topic that people don’t feel comfortable talking about, don’t honestly discuss with their partners, family, friends and unfortunately not with professionals. Talking about sex is a taboo in so many cultures and people are often left to learn about sex through trial and error, internet platforms or from peers. Searching internet platforms, misguided peer- group conversations and often over the counter remedies should not be the go to place, but unfortunately this is the reality. Unaddressed wants, needs, desires and challenges (discomfort, concerns) can lead to various psychological distresses in people such as anxiety, depression, various sexual disorders as well as other underlying physical problems. Too many people are left feeling “broken” when they experience challenges regarding their sexual performance and discomfort. They are left feeling not good enough and alone. There is a stigma around sexual disorders. In the mind of society if you’re experiencing any form of sexual dysfunction or disorder you are less of a man or woman, and that’s far from the truth. It’s time to break the stigma around talking about sex and expressing sexual desires / and disorders. Too many individuals are not getting correct and healthy information and are left with relationships falling apart and living in unnecessary physical and mental discomfort and pain. This needs to stop - we have a responsibility to break the stigma Stigma hinders access to appropriate and professional medical and psychological treatment, and can result in a person’s condition (mental and physical) worsening. It’s time for us as professionals to take action to break the stigma around sex and sexual disorders. We have the knowledge, skills, treatments and platform to “heal” so many individuals and relationships. How do we break down the stigma? • Become a sex friendly practice. • Ask about sex and sexual concerns – a questionnaire that gets completed beforehand can open the conversation and save time. • Talk in a non-judgemental way about sex. • Normalise sex and sexual experiences – especially if you know that some other medical conditions or treatments could negatively impact a person’s sexual expression. Recognising Sexual Disorders The four major categories of sexual dysfunctions include disorders such as: • Desire disorders: lack of sexual desire or interest in sex. • Arousal disorders: inability to become physically aroused or Christa Coetzee Psychologist / Sexologist / Relationship Coach Moreleta Park, Pretoria support@christacoetzee.com THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAKING THE STIGMA AROUND SEXUAL DISORDERS, AND HOW TO RECOGNISE AND TREAT THEM