Developing a stress-free sex life through sex positivity
There are many interactions between mental health and sexual health. One connection made between them is that both are generally stigmatized. The place where someone falls on the spectrums of mental health and sexual health can lead to discrimination.
The stigma and discrimination behind mental illness and various aspects of sexuality are partially rooted in a lack of knowledge and a negative societal view. When it comes to sexuality, a lot of these negative assumptions and views stem from a place of sex negativity.According to Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, sex negativity is the idea that sexual activity is harmful, shameful, or disgusting. The general exception is procreational, heterosexual, monogamous sex.
This negative view supports only “normal” sex and creates a “wrong” type of sex, which leads to feelings of shame and fear. Sex shouldn’t be about what everyone else is doing, but what you yourself find pleasurable.
Sex negativity is everywhere. From the comments made about someone’s sexual orientation to outright slut-shaming. Sex negativity is not just about what people are doing, it is also about what people aren’t doing.
An alternative view to all this negativity is sex positivity. Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights defines sex positivity as embracing sexuality with the understanding that the only concerns about sexual encounters should be consent, pleasure, and wellbeing.
This does not mean that being sex positive means that you must be sexually adventurous. Sex positivity is about not judging people for the sexual choices that they make, and knowing that one type of sex is not better than another.Not only does sex positivity decrease discrimination, but Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights notes that sex positivity supports mental health through increased self-esteem, a positive body image, and sexual fulfillment.
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