What Low Libido May Be Trying to Tell You
The causes of low libido may be surprising. We might discover that our bodies are sending us a signal for help rather than just failing us. It’s very easy to feel frustrated or even broken when our desire seems to vanish. However, that energy shift is often an internal communication. Instead of seeing it as a problem, we can look at it as a message from our inner selves.
What Causes Low Libido?
A low sex drive can have many causes. Burnout is one of the most common. If we’re physically and mentally exhausted, our bodies hit the "pause" button on anything that requires extra energy. Additional causes may be:
Emotional distance or lack of trust between partners.
Physical health, including high blood pressure, chronic pain or headaches, weight gain, etc.
Hormonal shifts, especially in women, like perimenopause/menopause
Certain medications, as well as alcohol and drug abuse, can also contribute to a drop in libido.
The Role of Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are significant causes of low libido that deserve our attention. These conditions can create mental noise that makes it nearly impossible to feel present or connected. If we feel a heavy cloud hanging over our heads, our bodies might be signaling that our mental health needs more support.
Addressing the underlying worry or sadness is vital in inviting passion back into our lives. We have to treat our minds with the same care we would give a physical injury if we want our vitality to return.
Tips to Get Back on Track
There are a number of things you can do to combat a lack of sex drive. Paying attention to physical cues is an essential part of self-care and helps us understand the complete picture of our health. We should always check with a doctor when we notice sudden or lasting changes in how our bodies are functioning. In addition, the following strategies may help improve libido:
Couples counseling: Decreased libido may signal a need to repair the emotional foundation of your relationship. If you feel that it's not just sex missing from your relationship, couples counseling may help you and your partner reform connections that spark the return of physical intimacy.
Exercise: Not only does exercise give you dopamine hits that help improve your mood, but a regular workout routine can help you lose weight, increase your physical stamina, and improve your self-image. All of which can boost your libido.
Reduce stress: Find ways to reduce the stress in your life. Maybe it's learning mindfulness techniques, practicing meditation, or listening to calming music during your rush hour commute.
Kick bad habits: Smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs are all libido depressants. Ditching these habits may not only increase your libido but also improve your overall health.
Listening to the Message
We can start by asking ourselves what our lack of desire is pointing toward. Is it a need for more boundaries at work? Is it a call to have a difficult but necessary conversation with our partner? Is it just a cry for some good sleep? It may be a nudge to reconnect with a practice that brings us peace.
With the various causes of low libido, we often need a professional to help us regain that intimate spark. Investigating the sources of low sex drive requires a detailed approach that looks at the whole self. Whether the answer lies in better sleep or medical support, we need to be patient with ourselves as we figure it out. That’s when we can finally stop guessing and start addressing the real issues that are holding us back.
When you’re ready to dig deeper into the causes of your low libido, give us a call. Sex health counseling can help you sort through the noise and listen to what your body is saying. With one phone call, you can find a practical way forward that feels right for you.
