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Post-coital Depression

This is actually so common that it might be considered 'normal', although it appears to be more common in males than females. The French have a term for it: "Le Petit Mal" which means literally 'Little Death' and probably refers to the sensation that some males experience of being completely withdrawn and disinterested in almost everything - though this should not last longer than a few minutes.

The response is probably caused by an increase in blood Prolactin level (Prolactin is released into the blood stream by the autonomic nervous system as a response to sexual climax) which is known to increase the likelihood of feelings of depression in most individuals. Unless the depressed mood is particularly severe or long lasting, perhaps having a noticeable negative effect for more than an hour or so, it is unlikely that therapy will make any noticeable change or, indeed, that therapy is even necessary. In fact, it is often the case that the only real problem is the belief that something is wrong and should be 'sported out'.

In the rare event of it creating suicidal thoughts/feelings or depression that seems to get 'stuck' for some time, then some sort of investigative therapy is indicated. In these circumstances, a further medical examination is advisable, even though there may already have been such consultation.

The Answer
Self-help ideas: Male or female, when you become aware of the depressed feeling, notice what you are thinking - not just that you are depressed but what you are actually thinking about while you are feeling depressed. There always is a thought of some sort in the background and sometimes, just realising what that thought is is enough to release the problem as you gain an understanding. At other times, you will need to reason it through if it is a thought about somebody or something specific. Always remember, though, that it is only a thought and thoughts cannot actually hurt you; they are just your own thoughts, not things.

Many people discover that one of the 'fixes' for what might be termed Ordinary Depression can make them feel better. Simply smile at yourself in the mirror - as daft as this might sound, may experiments have proven the effectiveness of this simple and free process. (For more information, see this article about Depression)

Something else which can help is to remind yourself, when you experience this reaction, that it is nothing more than a reflection of the fact that you have just been enjoying the most exquisite physical sensation known to man, and now it is over for a little while... so it is not surprising that there is a distinct feeling of anti-climax - in more ways than one. Remind yourself that it passes and that you will be enjoying sexual activity just as enthusiastically again at some point in the future.

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