Masturbation & Men's Mental Health

A Wank Won’t Solve What’s On Your Mind, Mate, But Talking About It Might

Men’s mental health conversations have come a long way, evolving over the years to encompass a broader range of topics and issues that affect men today.

We are increasingly opening up about stress, burnout, feelings of overwhelm, and the immense pressure many men feel to maintain a facade of strength and stability, often at the expense of their own mental wellbeing.

Despite these advancements, there are still certain topics that remain shrouded in stigma and silence, one of which is the subject of male masturbation (aka: a wank)

It’s high time we bring this topic into the light, addressing it with the understanding it deserves.

As boys grow into men, they are often met with a confusing mix of messages regarding self-pleasure: on one hand, they hear jokes and lighthearted banter, but on the other, they encounter a pervasive silence that discourages open dialogue.

Rarely do we engage in meaningful conversations about how a wank interrelates with mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The truth of the matter is that masturbation is a normal, healthy, and fundamentally human behaviour.

It can serve as a natural outlet for relieving stress, aiding in sleep, or providing a fleeting sense of comfort during difficult times.

However, the relationship between masturbation and mental health can become more intricate and complicated, particularly when individuals are dealing with emotional or psychological struggles.

Some men might find themselves using masturbation as a means to:

• numb difficult feelings that arise during tough periods

• escape from overwhelming stressors that feel huge

• experience a brief surge of dopamine that provides a temporary relief during times of distress

• avoid confronting thoughts or emotions they find uncomfortable or challenging to face

• fill moments of loneliness with a distraction that offers immediate gratification

It is crucial to recognise that none of these behaviours indicate that someone is "weird", "broken" or flawed; rather, they highlight the shared human experience of seeking comfort and relief in various forms.

The key takeaway here isn’t to judge the behaviour, but rather to delve deeper into understanding the motivations and emotions that drive it.

If you find yourself having a wank as a coping mechanism when life feels particularly heavy or burdensome, it may serve as a signal that your mind is in need of something more substantial:

perhaps it craves rest, genuine connection with others, open conversation, or a dose of honesty about your feelings.

We should all expand the conversation surrounding men's mental health throughout the entire year, not just during awareness months like November.

Let’s shine a light on the aspects of male wellbeing that typically remain hidden, not to shame anyone for their experiences, but to provide men with the opportunity to better understand themselves and their emotions.

Because mental health isn’t solely about the significant struggles that life throws our way.

It encompasses the small, everyday habits we adopt to cope, avoid, numb, and simply survive in a world that often feels overwhelming.

When we engage in open discussions about these topics, we're doing something pretty awesome - Working to Create Healthier Minds.

Let's Chat

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