Low self-esteem can decrease your sex drive – tips for building self-confidence
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Low self-esteem can take a toll on your emotional health and wellbeing. It can lead to anxiety, which may trigger impotency issues (i.e. erectile dysfunction). How can you improve your sense of self?
The mental health charity Mind explained: “Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves.”
Based on opinions and beliefs about oneself, self-esteem can affect every area of your life.
Mind notes that self-esteem can affect whether you:
- Like and value yourself as a person
- Are able to make decisions and assert yourself
- Recognise your strengths and positives
- Feel able to try new or difficult things
- Show kindness towards yourself
- Move past mistakes without blaming yourself unfairly
- Take the time you need for yourself
- Believe you matter and are good enough
- Believe you deserve happiness
Self-esteem issues aren’t considered a mental health problem, but it can lead to depression or anxiety.
Both of these conditions can have a negative effect on your libido, so raising your self-esteem is a good starting point to get that buzz for life.
How to raise self-esteem
“Different things work for different people at different times,” explained Mind.
Tip one – take care of yourself
Consistently get enough sleep (not too much or too little), as it can “have a big impact on how you feel”.
“Eating regularly and keeping your blood sugar stable can make a difference to your mood and energy levels,” added Mind.
Make physical activity a priority in your life, and try to spend time outside, advises the charity.
Meanwhile, “avoid recreational drugs and alcohol” as they can make you feel worse in the long term.
Tip two – set yourself a challenge
Set a small goal, such as trying a new recipe – or something you enjoy – often.
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This can help to gradually build self-esteem as you feel a sense of accomplishment.
Tip three – Gratitude
“Celebrate your successes – no matter how small they may seem,” certified Mind.
“Take time to praise yourself and notice what you did well. It could also help to remember past successes.”
Here’s an activity to try – write a list of things you like about yourself; this can include character traits, skills, experiences or causes that matter to you.
The NHS recommends speaking to a GP if you continue to experience a loss of libido.
This is because it could be linked to an underlying medical problem related to hormones.
Low libido can be associated with the following health conditions:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Underactive thyroid
Certain medications can also reduce a person’s libido, which can include:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Medicine to lower high blood pressure
- Medicine for seizures
- Medicine for an enlarged prostate
If you’re on any medication, do read the leaflet that comes with it to see if loss of libido is a possible side effect.
Drug and alcohol misuse can also reduce a person’s sex drive, which also need to be discussed with your doctor.
If you suffer from impotency, there are certain things you can do that may help.
The national health body suggests to lose weight (if overweight), don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, exercise daily, and reduce stress and anxiety.
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