Overcoming Compulsive Masturbation: Mental Health Insights and Solutions

Q: Overcoming Compulsive Masturbation: Mental Health Insights and Solutions

Hello： Masturbation may be a habitual way for you to cope with stress, and it might carry some psychological significance for you. <br>However, this excessive primal desire leads your rational mind (superego) to perceive it as an unacceptable behavior, resulting in inner conflict

Inability to control excessive masturbation?

Hello Dr.
Wang,
When I encounter setbacks, I tend to relieve stress through masturbation, often accompanied by watching adult films.
During my sophomore year of high school, I engaged in this behavior at least three times a week, and at its worst, daily.
After multiple attempts to quit, I found myself relapsing, and my body and mind began to show signs of distress.
The most noticeable symptoms include heart weakness, along with weakness in my left arm, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.
Secondly, I struggle with concentration; my mind is filled with racing thoughts, making it hard to settle down and focus on tasks.
Thirdly, I experience an overwhelming sense of guilt, lack motivation, and my interpersonal relationships have suffered, leading to a more passive personality.
My questions are:
1.
How can I adjust my cognition to completely eliminate this behavior?
2.
From a Western medical perspective, masturbation is not considered harmful to the body, but why does this behavior cause discomfort in my heart? (I have previously consulted a cardiologist, and all test results were normal.
Additionally, a psychiatrist mentioned that while there may not seem to be a direct connection, there could be underlying associations, especially in young women.
I hope you can address this aspect.)
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Best wishes.

Jinhua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/03

Dr. Wang Yaoting reply Psychiatry

Hello: Masturbation may be a habitual way for you to cope with stress, and it might carry some psychological significance for you.
However, this excessive primal desire leads your rational mind (superego) to perceive it as an unacceptable behavior, resulting in inner conflict.
This can trigger an overactive anxiety signal in the brain, affecting the autonomic nervous system and resulting in heightened sympathetic nervous system activity, which can cause unexplained discomfort throughout your body.

I suggest you first adjust your lifestyle by maintaining regular meal times, ensuring adequate sleep, and engaging in morning runs or swims to focus on your studies or work.
Plan activities in the evening to distract yourself and reduce thoughts about masturbation, and limit your exposure to adult content.
If these adjustments are ineffective, consider visiting a nearby mental health clinic to discuss the possibility of prescribing serotonin medications and anxiolytics to treat autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and to arrange for psychotherapy to address your inner conflicts.
I hope this answers your question.
:_)

Reply Date: 2022/05/03

More Info

Overcoming compulsive masturbation can be a complex issue that intertwines psychological, emotional, and physical health aspects. It’s commendable that you are seeking help and looking for ways to address this behavior. Let's break down your concerns and explore potential solutions.

Understanding the Behavior
Compulsive masturbation often serves as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or emotional pain. In your case, it appears to be a way to manage feelings of frustration and pressure. While masturbation itself is a normal sexual activity, when it becomes compulsive, it can lead to negative consequences, such as the physical symptoms you described (e.g., heart discomfort, weakness, and difficulty concentrating).

Cognitive Adjustment
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapeutic approach can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to compulsive behaviors. A therapist can work with you to develop healthier coping strategies and challenge the beliefs that lead you to use masturbation as a stress relief method.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help you manage stress and reduce the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.

3. Journaling: Keeping a journal can help you track your feelings and triggers. Writing down your thoughts can provide insight into the situations that lead to compulsive masturbation and help you develop alternative coping strategies.

Addressing Physical Symptoms
1. Consulting a Specialist: Since you’ve already seen a cardiologist and received normal results, it might be beneficial to consult a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health or compulsive behaviors. They can help you explore the psychological aspects of your symptoms.

2. Understanding the Mind-Body Connection: It’s important to recognize that psychological stress can manifest physically. Anxiety and guilt associated with compulsive behaviors can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations or difficulty breathing. Addressing the underlying anxiety through therapy may alleviate these physical symptoms.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Incorporating regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can improve your overall well-being and reduce stress levels. Exercise, in particular, is known to release endorphins, which can enhance your mood and reduce the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.

Building Healthy Relationships
1. Social Support: Engaging with friends or support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing your experiences with others who have faced similar challenges can be empowering and help reduce feelings of isolation.

2. Setting Boundaries: If certain environments or media (like adult films) trigger your compulsive behavior, consider setting boundaries for yourself. This might involve limiting exposure to specific content or situations that lead to urges.

Seeking Professional Help
If you find that self-help strategies are not sufficient, seeking professional help is crucial. A mental health professional can provide tailored guidance and support, helping you navigate your feelings of guilt, anxiety, and the compulsive behavior itself.

Conclusion
Overcoming compulsive masturbation is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. By addressing the cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of your behavior, you can work towards healthier coping mechanisms and improve your overall mental health. Remember, it’s okay to seek help, and taking the first step towards change is a significant achievement.

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