Performance Anxiety
How to Overcome Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety is a very general sexual complaint.
This situation is more commonly seen in men, worrying about
ones sexuality can deeply affect your self esteem and your
relationship with your partner.
The Mental and Physical Stressors
Just like every case of anxiety, the root of the problem
should be determined. Once the cause of the problem is determined,
the battle is half won. Then the anxiety relieving strategies
can be planned, when you only focus in one direction.
Physical stressors like cold weather, physical exhaustion,
large meals or heavy consumption of alcohol are usually the
main causes of poor sexual performance. These factors can
be resolved and if proper attention is given at the proper
time, sexual activity can be brought back to normal. Similarly,
the affected individual may be on certain drugs, which have
sexually related side effects, like those which hinder with
libido or erections.
Mental stressors are harder to control. One can be worrying
about several things at one time, such as bills, health, family
affairs and work. Low self esteem, which sometimes makes the
patient feels like a failure, is often the cause of performance
anxiety. Such problems might take a lot of time and patience
to overcome. Therapy is often the only way to help such people.
The partner plays an important role in helping performance
anxiety as well. Sometimes, the situation is worsened by a
selfish, uncaring sexual partner. You need to understand the
helplessness and loneliness of the patient is the first step
in maintaining a strong relationship and getting the sexual
life back on track.
Performance anxiety can be overcome by focusing on the problem
and finding ways to get rid of the cause. Most of the time
, the patient considers himself a lesser man due to his poor
sexual performance. These people are ashamed of themselves
and often avoid seeking help from the professional. Medications
help, and there are several different categories depending
on each individual situation. Self hypnosis is also used as
alternative therapy and is found very helpful in some cases.
In most cases, performance anxiety is not a permanent dysfunction.
Sexual activity should not be avoided due to fear of not performing.
Just like all cases of anxiety, the anxiety should not be
allowed to take over the daily routine and likes and dislikes
of the patient. Regular reassurance and compassion by the
partner is a strong tool to help the patient regain confidence
and enjoy a healthy sexual life.
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