Originally posted on BeVibrant.com, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains’ sex toy shop that has since been shut down. Reproduced here with permission.
I believe I speak for 100% of the population when I say that winter sucks and is a cold, drab reminder that everything dies and we are all marching slowly, steadily to the grave, and there is relatively little else of which we can be sure. Or perhaps I’m one of the millions of sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, and I live in a snowy, cold-through-May state. Other folks suffer from depression year round or may have post-partum issues, side effects of anti-depressants or thousands of other conditions causing their moods and their libido to drag.
However, you don’t have to suffer in silence! Those who, like me, struggle through winters (and for some unlucky folks – the battle starts even earlier), take note: there’s something that can help. It’s fun, and it’s something you’re probably already doing, and it’s not exercising, eating healthy, and getting more sleep (you’re welcome!). In the words of the legendary Marvin Gaye, we’re suggesting some sexual healing. Masturbation and depression are linked, because doing one can help you out of the other. And honestly, even if you love winter, these suggestions could probably improve your mood, too.
Masturbation Has Health Benefits That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Menage a moi, jacking the beanstalk, gilding the lily, or the official and spot-on Klittra: no matter what you call it, masturbation has a lot of science backing the healthy boosts it provides. Depression has an impact on sex, but the reverse is also true: sex and orgasms specifically can have an impact on depression. Even though masturbating isn’t a quick cure-all for depression, it’s a small step toward self-care; a bit of body and brain comfort that you can have even while lying in bed. And doing it, whether you feel like it or not, can be a reminder that you deserve pleasure and that you deserve to feel good, whether or not you currently do.
Masturbation combines all kinds of good-for-you self-care: it’s creative (just think of those weird fantasies you have! You truly are the Michelangelo – or Michelangela – of your own pleasure), it’s a stress reliever, plus it’s a pain killer. And in case you forgot, you don’t have to masturbate alone – why not grab a friend or three? Get cozy and consider it your own sex-positive version of hygge.
Sex Toys Can Help Masturbation and Depression
Depression can alter your energy levels, so toys can help make self-pleasure seem like less work and more fun. In fact, vibrators were invented as a mental health device to treat “hysteria,” otherwise known as the widespread cultural tendency to ignore women’s erotic pleasure in all its forms until they flooded the doctor’s office with sexual frustration. So, masturbating to help ease one’s mood was the doctor’s order dating all the way back to the 1800s. Folks with penises have historically used sex toys at much lower rates than those with vaginas, for reasons ranging from higher levels of sexual satisfaction to more stigma surrounding cis men’s use of sex toys. But no matter what parts you have, there’s no reason you should miss out on all the fun!
Those with vulvas might like to try a wand. If you’ve never tried a wand before, they are like other vibrators if they were powered by a hypernova. Their sheer power can help overcome the grimmest of moods, and the Hitachi Magic Wandis a trusty, well-loved orgasm gladiator.
Or, upgrade to the O-Wand, which has a comfortable handle, is gorgeous, and can be used in the bath!
For those with penises, the Apollo Hydro Power Stroker by Calexotics can be used hands-free because it comes with a removable suction cup base and has 30 different options for vibration and pulsation.
Or, the Pulse III Solo by Hot Octopuss is an award-winning device that can be used flaccid or erect and oscillates rather than vibrates. It literally does the work for you on your most down days because you don’t even have to start off interested.
The Eupho Trident by Aneros is another hands-free device that can also access the g-spot or p-spot. Plus, it pivots!
Lastly, the Marley Warming Remote Vibrating Plug can be heated, which can feel like a much-needed warm hug on these cold winter days. It also comes with a remote control, so you don’t have to reach around to maneuver.
Hopefully, masturbation will help act as a mood elevator for you during these dark winter days. And if not, I hope that you find other ways to show yourself care, even if that means exercising, eating healthy, and getting more sleep.
Vibrant Has All the Body Safe Toys to Help You Beat the Winter Blues!
Vibrant has an array of body-safe sex toys for every body that can aid with masturbation and depression. Check out our curated collection of toys and books, too! Or, chat with us, and we can help recommend the product that’s perfect for you. We’re available 9am-9pm EST daily on our website chat (just push the purple button at the bottom right!) or call us at 866-316-VIBE(8423).
Kempf Writing & Editing, LLC 