Masturbation addiction?

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Registered: 12-31-1969
Masturbation addiction?
6
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 7:35pm
Hi

I am concerned that maybe I am masturbating too much, is it possible to be addicted?

Im 38 not in a relationship at the moment. I sometimes fantasize about my last relationship 3yrs ago. ridiculous I know! I masturbate more when I am feel depressed and just want to forget how unhappy I feel or if I cant sleep. On average its probably 5-6 times a week 1-2 a day.

Would really apprecaite anyones advice

Thanks Shaun

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 7:45pm

If masturbating is affecting your life, your work and interfering with doing other things that you enjoy, that is when it becomes an addiction, when it takes over your life just like any other addiction.


bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 8:12pm
Hi

Thanks for your message

Yes, I think you say is probably right, sometimes I feel I just want to forget seem to have become quite withdrawn, I dont deel that i Have really addressed the feelings of depression, have considered seeing a therapist havent done so far perhaps I will,I am able to function on a daily basis, I go to work feel very bored and although I dont feel its causing the depression I feel does exacerbate what im already feeling.It does allow me some degree of financial freedom, belong to a local health club which i do enjoy.

In some ways I have become used to the way I feel, it almost seem like normality, I think thats probably the nature of depression.

On a positive not I have enrolled on an evening class in NLP(neuro linguistic programming) briefly It looks at how our thoughts,beliefs and conditioning influence our behaviour and how we can change our thought and beliefs about ourselves to something more positive I have read a little on the subject it looks very intersting,looking forward to it.

Well Thanks again for your message, I always appreciate them

Best Wishes

Shaun

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 8:33pm

Hi Shaun,


bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 9:00am
There is nothing wrong with you. You are just Horny with a capitol HHHH
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2004
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 9:56am
That's like saying an alcoholic is just thirsty!
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2003
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 11:45am
Dear Shaun,

I have not had time to read the other replies, so I hope I am not being redundant. Anything that we use to escape from our feelings, situations etc. can be addictive. If you are using masturbation to avoid dealing with things in your life, or if masturbation is effecting your life in a negative way, then you could have an addiction. There is nothing wrong with using self pleasure to give you a little mood lift now and again. However, you may want try "being" with the depression rather than trying to self medicate with the masturbation. If you are just escaping from your feelings, then you are not healing them and they will continue to pop up for you to heal. Our feelings want our attention. When we do things that put them in the background they never get a chance to heal and eventually they start to effect your life.

The next time that you have the urge to masturbate, stop for awhile and sit quietly. Ask yourself if your body needs this, or if it is just a patterned behavior that is numbing you to reality. Notice the triggers that make you want to "numb out": Did you have a certain conversation with your SO that bothered you? Did something happen at work? Are there certain thoughts that trigger your desire to "hide"?

As far as addictions go, masturbation is a pretty safe one, i.e. there are no side effects, etc. However, if you are having feelings that you just want to run from, then you are missing an opportunity to be a more healthy and whole person.

Good luck and much love to you.

Scott.