Depression at Root of Risky Sex

Depression has always led to bad behavior in many individuals. Depressed individuals tend to be more withdrawn in the society and some can get paranoid about the daily activities, even though these activities are harmless.

Other depressed individuals lose hope on their current condition that they become suicidal as they seek ways to end their life.

The effects on depression on adolescents will not only increase their impulsive and usually reclusive behavior in the society as depression also has some effect on their sexual behavior. A research conducted by Brown University with the aid of Bradley Children’s Research Center revealed that depression in adolescents and young adults are very high for those who practice unprotected sex.

The study was conducted on African Americans aged 15 to 18. These adolescents were asked about their sexual experiences for the past three months. Along with these questions, they were also tested through questionnaires to determine their psychological state.

After gathering facts, the researchers concluded that those with depression will likely practice unsafe sex four times more than those who do not have the same psychological state.

Low self esteem and confusion on what to do during sexual encounters has led depressed young adults to practice unprotected sex.

This finding suggests that risky sexual behavior should not only be based on the age and general condition in the society. The psychological condition of young adults can also be a determining factor for the risk of unprotected sexual encounter.

The study has also revealed that as the adolescent gets older, the frequency of using condoms during sexual encounter also diminishes.

This happens because young adults tend to think that their experience in sex will help them control pregnancy even without protection. The study has also suggested that females tend to ignore using condoms or avoid suggesting its use during sexual encounter.

This realization might have been caused by the fact that young women who carry condoms might be labeled as promiscuous.

This study is increasingly becoming significant especially for African Americans that have been part of the research. Half of the cases of HIV/AIDS in the US are African Americans. This alarming number of case is based on the fact that only 12% in the US are African Americans.

The study of depression in relation to increased unprotected sexual encounter should help educators and even parents know which individuals may have some trouble coping with the demands of adulthood especially in intimacy.

Because depression can happen to any adolescent, it’s very important to help those with this condition deal with their psychological state as soon as possible. There are various activities in school that can help young adults improve their self esteem and meet people who can help them get out of depression.

School counselors should even implement programs that can help the depressed young adults.

Dealing with depression will not only help boost self esteem and improved performance at school but this practice should also diminish the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy.