EXCLUSIVE: Experts bust anxiety MYTHS and reveal how to IMPROVE your sex life



Anxiety can cause sexual problems for both women and men, according to experts



THE CONDITION affecting 3 million Brits is impacting our time between the sheets, but there are ways to avoid it

 

Anxiety is the largest single mental health problem in Britain, according to experts. 

Those who experience it are commonly plagued with an increased heart beat, sweating, muscle tension and headaches. 

 

Experts now say the crippling condition even impacts time in the bedroom. 

Professor Dinesh Bhugra of the World Psyhciatric Association said: "Anxiety can cause sexual problems in both men and women. 

 



There is no shame in seeking professional help, say experts



"Many men develop premature ejaculation or erectile difficulties as a result of anxiety and women may find it difficult to reach orgasm."

For some, sex can be stress-releasing and helpful to anxiety.

But it's often not that simple, according to founder of wellbeing centre Anamaya, Graham Doke. 

Speaking exclusively to News News Blog, Graham said: "Negative emotions, including anxiety or fear of failing to meet a partner's expectations… and fear of inadequacy can completely wipe out any anxiety benefits from the act." 

 

Widely-adopted myths around mental illness often prevent people from seeking help.

Below, Graham busts the most common misconceptions about anxiety.

1. 'I am an anxious person, that's just me.' Graham says: "No-one needs to stay anxious. With good treatment, you can get rid of your anxiety." 

2. 'It's only in your mind - just get over it, will you?' Graham says: "The mind is extremely powerful: when things go wrong, it should be taken seriously."

3. 'I'm not crazy - I don't need a therapist.' Graham says: "Anxiety is no different to other heath problems: you have a problem, go to a specialist."

 



Experts say anxiety is the most common mental illness in the UK



The good news is that there are ways to cope. 

Here, Graham lists the top five methods to lessen the impacts of anxiety. 

1. Tackle it. Find a therapist you can really relate to or a programme that resonates with you. You can get rid of the anxiety. 

2. Mindfulness and Mind Training: Start a programme of skilled meditation and mind training to make living in the moment a reality.

 

Many people adopt common myths that prevent them from seeking help

3. Identify triggers: Try to find out what situations make you anxious: then you can either ease yourself into them and reduce the anxiety, or avoid them altogether. 

4. When you feel anxiety coming on, breathe! When you focus on your breathing, you lower your heart rate and blood pressure: you start to relax.

5. The physical symptoms such as the racing heart feel worse than they actually are physically. Do not get anxious about the symptoms. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, seek advice from your healthcare professional.