Can libido be reduced?
This is hard for me to open up. But I would say that I'm addicted to porn, erotic movies, or anything sexual that makes me masturbate on it. That's why I want to ask this question. If I do have lower libido, will I be able to not watch any of these and even not masturbate? I hope this isn't too weird or awkward as I really don't know how to open up this topic. I found this support community and I thought maybe I could open up here. Thank you!
Porn addiction is no joke, and not talked about enough. You are not alone! And you shouldn't feel ashamed. I suggest blocking all websites that house that content. Throwing away any pornographic memorabilia. And when you get an urge, go for a nice long run. Distract yourself, easier said than done. But a little progress each day makes a huge difference. God bless you.
Libido can actually be lowered by starting a meditation practice. It can also help with obsessive thoughts. I suggest trying the "insight timer" app on Google play.
Ohh alright then I might give it a try. Is it free? I don't really have much money with me right now😅
Yes it's free. And I looks like they provide some instruction in meditation on here as well. Really for it to work you have to calm your mind. And that requires you to be aware of the leanings of your mind. By leanings I mean your wanting, your desires, your cravings. If you can simply be aware of them without acting on them, commenting on them or judging yourself for having them they will naturally subside on their own. It takes practice and effort but it works. It is very simple but requires dedication and self discipline. There is a great book for instruction on Amazon called 'Meditation Now or Never' by Steve Hagen that I use. You can probably get it used for cheap. I can to talk you through it for free if you like or you can look online or at your local library. One piece of advice I would give to you in this practice and in life in general is to be kind to yourself. Do the right thing right now and try to forgive yourself for past mistakes. Mindful meditation is about focusing on the present moment "This moment Is Life" and letting go of the past. I hope this helps...
Reducing Libido through medications is not usually suggestible because of significant side effects and dependence (once halted, the libido might return to normal and lead to an undesirable relapse). It is however suggested along with Psychotherapy when the sexual urges/fantasies are of a legally/socially unacceptable nature like in Paraphilia.
When it starts affecting your daily life significantly, it is suggested to talk to a psychotherapist, especially in the early stages before it may get worse.
There are few things that you may do by yourself as well. Preventative measures are more effective than direct measures (ones you do during the urge). Think about your situation and what might work for you most. Below are some common suggestions but tailoring them to your situation or adopting them at all is up to your discretion.
1. Identify situations where you feel these urges and change them or avoid them entirely if possible. This includes but is not limited to blocking the sites you use on your devices. You will always be in the capacity to unblock them but the time it takes between the urge and the process of unblocking allows you a window to think about it and not do it at all.
2. Direct attention elsewhere when you do feel an urge, as fast as possible when the urge occurs. Take a deep breath, do something else, think about something else. Know that the urge won't last forever. If you are able to distract yourself long enough, it will pass, for that time. When you make a practice out of it, you will build on your self-control skills and be better able to do it in the future. Mindfulness is facilitative of this process.
3. Try to think about the negative consequences of engaging in that behaviour. Don't believe in excuses your mind will make up to provide that immediate gratification.
Addiction is difficult to deal with and no method will lead to a perfectly straight upward graph line. What this means is that you may experience failures in the process but keeping it up will matter the most. Remind yourself why you want to stop the activity in the first place and be caring to yourself.
