As I mentioned in my previous post, “Do You Remember?”, September is the month when we recognize Sexual Health. A bi-product of mental health, sexual health can influence the way we perceive our sexual self-esteem, -confidence, and -image. External influences such as social media, porn, and hate can warp our sense of sexuality and how comfortable we are in our skin.
The World Health Organization defines Sexual Health as such:
“Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.”
https://www.who.int/topics/sexual_health/en/
Sexual Health is feeling safe during sexual activities, being comfortable in your skin, and knowing that you will not be discriminated against or forced into any sexual activities. Unfortunately, at least in America, sexual health is not spoken about as often as it should be. The only thing that is taught in schools (at a young age, I might add) is puberty, reproductions systems, and sexually transmitted infections [STIs, formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)]. As for the effects of sexual health on the mind, that is not spoken about AT ALL.
Recently, sexuality has been put in the spotlight because of sex changes, sexual orientation, and Caitlyn Jenner (born William Jenner). There has been more information and education presented to the public about what it means to be sexually healthy (and mentally healthy). This is a good thing, but we still have a long way to go due to people’s prejudices towards transgenders and hateful attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. In my opinion, if a couple loves each other, then that should be the end of the conversation, regardless of what they decide to identify as. Period.
Anyway, straying away from my rant…sexual health has also been royally f*ucked (excuse my language) because of the porn industry. Since the dawn of time, porn has portrayed men as the superior sex and females as inferior. This has a lot to do with dominant and submissive personalities and desires, but for the most part, porn treats men like kings. For young adults navigating through their sexual experiences, porn is the first “educator” they go to for advice.
Sex and such activities should be formed from the bond of love, kindness, trust, and comfortability. It is not meant to be the objectification of a person in any way and should be respected as one of the most vulnerable times in someone’s life. If it is not respected, people can get hurt, develop a mental health issue, and could lose their identity (be it their sexual orientation or personality). Treat people with the same respect that you would like to be treated with–follow the Golden Rule.
Last, but not least, keep a watchful eye on social media. We are exposed to SO much when we look at Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms. Whether we like it or not, our subconscious is absorbing ALL of this information that we look at and storing it. Subconsciously stored information speaks to us through our doubts, fears, and insecurities. It is that voice in the back of our head that says “I am too fat/skinny/scrawny/muscular.” It is that voice that says “I am not beautiful/handsome nor able to be loved.” It is a harsh voice that we all have, but it is a voice that can teach us self-love and help us have positive self-esteem.
Sexual health is mental health and mental health is your health. External factors play a massive role in how we see ourselves and others, and how we view our sexual mentality. It is daunting to think that we could never be loved or ever look like “that person,” but it is also comforting to know that NO ONE can be you. You are the most perfect and unique self. Not a single soul can be you and you are the best you that there is. So try and calm your mind and take a break from social media, your health and happiness depend on it.
Self-Loving,
E.
#sexualhealth #mentalhealth #self-love #porn #pornindustry #LGBTQ+ #GoldenRule #socialmedia #WorldHealthOrganization #WHO #CaitlynJenner
thEEsmilE 