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There is hope. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255, or you can call or text 988.
Mental health issues are a hot topic as people are finally getting comfortable with talking about them.
You might be wondering what exactly classifies someone as having a mental health problem and how it’s diagnosed. Typically, mental illness is defined as a disorder that affects your mood, thinking, and or behavior.
Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors are all prime examples of mental health problems. For most people, it’s completely normal to have a mental health concern from time to time.
Approximately one in five people experience mental illness in a given year, and it’s becoming more common as the signs are more widely recognized.
Pornography can be a factor in mental health issues
While this may seem shocking to some, consuming porn can take you to a different world—physically and mentally.
As humans, we are biologically wired for connection and real-life connections with real people. Watching porn does the complete opposite—removing the consumer from their real-life world—leading to disconnection and driving a wedge between the consumer and their other relationships. Social isolation starts small, but it’s possible that it can lead to and fuel various forms of addiction and fuel existing depression.
In other words, research has indicated that frequent porn habits can increase a consumer’s vulnerability to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Does porn trigger depression or vice versa?
Recently, we received a message from a supporter who told us how porn affected his mental health and depressive state. To him, porn “was a drug” that he couldn’t escape from. It took him many tries to quit, and it not only gave him a false and short-lived sense of pleasure but also triggered real feelings of depression, disconnection, and shame. In his words, porn made him feel less human. Sound familiar?
So, what happened when he tried to give porn up for good? He noticed his depression noticeably lessened, and happiness, joy, and connection started to take place. Life became more enjoyable, and he felt more connected to the people around him. We’re not saying that his depression was solely caused by porn, only that using porn as an escape did not help his mental state.
In fact, a 2021 study found that those who struggled with compulsive sexual behaviors, which includes people struggling with compulsive porn consumption, experience twice the rate of suicidal ideation and more than three times the rate of suicide attempts when compared to the general population. Nock, M. K., Borges, G., Bromet, E. J., Alonso, J., Angermeyer, M., Beautrais, A., Bruffaerts, R., Chiu, W. T., de Girolamo, G., Gluzman, S., de Graaf, R., Gureje, O., Haro, J. M., Huang, Y., Karam, E., Kessler, R. C., Lepine, J. P., Levinson, D., Medina-Mora, M. E., Ono, Y., … Williams, D. (2008). Cross-national prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 192(2), 98–105. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.107.040113Copy Valenciano-Mendoza, E., Fernández-Aranda, F., Granero, R., Gómez-Peña, M., Moragas, L., Mora-Maltas, B., Håkansson, A., Menchón, J. M., & Jiménez-Murcia, S. (2021). Prevalence of Suicidal Behavior and Associated Clinical Correlates in Patients with Behavioral Addictions. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(21), 11085.Copy
In all honesty, anytime anyone spends a lot of time with the usual pornography consumption cycle, it can often turn into a depressing, demeaning, self-loathing, and lonely kind of experience. Not only for the person watching porn, but it even affects the relationships and the ones you care about.
Studies have found that when people engage in an ongoing pattern of “self-concealment,” which is when they do things they’re not proud of and keep them a secret, it can not only hurt their relationships and leave them feeling lonely but can also make them more vulnerable to mental health issues. Could it be true that porn triggers depression, or is it the other way around? The answer isn’t clear. We know this: the more people feel bad about themselves, the more they seek comfort wherever they can get it. And if they’re already caught up with a secret porn habit, they will likely turn to more porn. Laird, R. D., Marrero, M. D., Melching, J. A., and Kuhn, E. S. (2013). Information Management Strategies in Early Adolescence: Developmental Change in Use and Transactional Associations with Psychological Adjustment. Developmental Psychology, 49(5), 928–937. doi:10.1037/a0028845Copy Luoma, J. B., et. al. (2013). Self-Stigma in Substance Abuse: Development of a New Measure. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 35, 223–234. doi:10.1007/s10862-012-9323-4Copy Rotenberg, K. J., Bharathi, C., Davies, H., and Finch, T. (2013). Bulimic Symptoms and the Social Withdrawal Syndrome. Eating Behaviors, 14, 281–284. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.05.003Copy
It’s difficult to say what exactly comes first, the porn problem or the depression itself, but in this particular scenario, it goes together.
In fact, a number of peer-reviewed studies have found a link between pornography consumption and mental health outcomes like depression Harper, C., & Hodgins, D. C. (2016). Examining Correlates of Problematic Internet Pornography Use Among University Students. Journal of behavioral addictions, 5(2), 179–191. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.5.2016.022Copy anxiety,Wordecha, M., Wilk, M., Kowalewska, E., Skorko, M., Łapiński, A., & Gola, M. (2018). 'Pornographic binges' as a key characteristic of males seeking treatment for compulsive sexual behaviors: Qualitative and quantitative 10-week-long diary assessment. Journal of behavioral addictions, 7(2), 433–444. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.7.2018.33Copy loneliness,Butler, M. H., Pereyra, S. A., Draper, T. W., Leonhardt, N. D., & Skinner, K. B. (2018). Pornography Use and Loneliness: A Bidirectional Recursive Model and Pilot Investigation. Journal of sex & marital therapy, 44(2), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2017.1321601Copy lower life satisfaction,Willoughby, B. J., Young-Petersen, B., & Leonhardt, N. D. (2018). Exploring trajectories of pornography use through adolescence and emerging adulthood.55(3), 297-309. doi:10.1080/00224499.2017.1368977Copy and poorer self-esteem and overall mental health.Koletić G. (2017). Longitudinal associations between the use of sexually explicit material and adolescents' attitudes and behaviors: A narrative review of studies. Journal of adolescence, 57, 119–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.04.006Copy
These studies have found that these links are particularly strong when pornography is consumed to try to escape negative emotions and also when pornography consumption becomes heavy and compulsive.Levin, M. E., Lillis, J., & Hayes, S. C. (2012). When is online pornography viewing problematic among college males? Examining the moderating role of experiential avoidance.19(3), 168-180. doi:10.1080/10720162.2012.657150Copy According to another study performed in the United States, researchers found a significant bi-directional association between pornography and loneliness, prompting them to conclude:
“Results revealed that the association between loneliness and viewing pornography was positive and significant…those who viewed pornography were more likely to experience loneliness, and those who were experiencing loneliness were more likely to view pornography. These findings are consistent with research linking pornography use to negative effects.”Butler, M. H., Pereyra, S. A., Draper, T. W., Leonhardt, N. D., & Skinner, K. B. (2018) Pornography Use and Loneliness: A Bidirectional Recursive Model and Pilot Investigation, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44:2, 127-137, DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2017.1321601Copy
Although it’s fairly common for consumers to use porn as an escape mechanism or self-soothing technique, research indicates that those who consumed pornography to avoid uncomfortable emotions had some of the lowest reports of emotional and mental well-being.Brown, C. C., Durtschi, J. A., Carroll, J. S., & Willoughby, B. J. (2017). Understanding and predicting classes of college students who use pornography. Computers in Human Behavior, 66, 114-121.Copy
Another study examined the relationship between the frequency of online pornography consumption and mental health problems, particularly in the context of “experiential avoidance,” or trying to avoid negative emotions. The study found that frequent pornography consumption was significantly related to depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as poorer social functioning.Levin, M. E., Lillis, J., & Hayes, S. C. (2012) When is Online Pornography Viewing Problematic Among College Males? Examining the Moderating Role of Experiential Avoidance. Journal Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention, 19 (3), 168-180.Copy
Similarities between porn struggles and mental health issues
Did you know that watching a lot of porn can possibly trigger similar symptoms as a mental health disorder?
Struggling with mental health issues and struggling with porn have more similarities than you’d think. Let’s take a look into a few similarities, side effects, and symptoms associated with both various mental health problems and a compulsion to porn:
- Changes in sex drive
- Sadness or extreme lows
- Constant questioning of true happiness
- Avoidance of friends and social events
- Difficulties understanding and or relating to friends
- Uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
- Changes in sleep habit
- Tiredness and low energy
- Disconnection
- Worry and anxiety
Is struggling with an unwanted porn habit really that big of a deal?
For actor and former NFL player Terry Crews, it was. His story is just one of many. Terry went to rehab for what he described as his addiction. Not only did it mess up his life and marriage, but he says it also messed up the relationships around him.
Terry Crews first revealed his porn addiction and struggle on Facebook in 2014. With millions of views and thousands of comments later, many people thanked him for his honesty while opening up about their own personal struggles.
His story has continued to reach and impact more people to seek help like he did. To hear more about his story, check out our podcast “Consider Before Consuming,” where Terry talks about his personal fight for love.
Mental health and porn are linked
Many people don’t get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start. The same thing goes for those who struggle with porn, even if their habit has started impacting their life in a very real and negative way. The good news is there’s hope, and there’s help.
We fight to raise awareness of the harmful effects of porn, including its connections with mental health issues.
Whether you know someone who’s struggling or you yourself are fighting for freedom, we encourage you to confide in someone you feel safe with.
Whether it’s a close friend, a trusted adult, or a support group, nothing is more rewarding than taking the first step in your journey toward freedom, whatever that looks like.
The NAMI Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, to answer general questions about mental health issues and treatment options. You can also get information on mental health services in your area and learn how to help a loved one find treatment.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
There is hope. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255, or you can call or text 988.
Need help?
For those reading this who feel they are struggling with pornography, you are not alone. Check out Fortify, a science-based recovery platform dedicated to helping you find lasting freedom from pornography. Fortify now offers a free experience for both teens and adults. Connect with others, learn about your unwanted porn habit, and track your recovery journey. There is hope—sign up today.
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