Hello
@Littleshining1It can be quite difficult to raise matters of intimacy, but I have had to speak up. My husband was given a drug whilst on a treatment order that resulted in sexual dysfunction. After being in hospital over 4 months he finally had day leave and he was really upset when things went pear shaped. I was the one who had to let the doctors know. It was really upsetting for him and his confidence which was already low took a further dive. It was not till a couple of months later they began to taper the drug down. After discontinuing the drug he found intimacy very difficult and a I had to give a lot of encouragement for him to even try, I would not ask often, but it took 4 1/2 months for him to be
able to perform successfully.
However, since being in hospital he tells me his libido has dropped, which will in part be due to the meds he is still on. He still does other things for me but I no longer get the gentle touches and I miss them. To get some bedroom action, sometimes I need to remind him of the importance of demonstrating our love for each other in this way. I think it is really important for him to know that he still needed in that way. A lot of people with mental illness end up on their own due to difficulties finding or maintaining relationships and a common denominator of what they feel is lacking is a desire for a partner and employment.
It is not easy, we went out for our wedding anniversary this week. He hardly spoke through the meal, we ate, came home, he was agitated about something and went to sleep on the recliner. A typical mental health non celebration.
I am fortunate in many ways, Mr Darcy does not self medicate with alcohol or drugs, he is compliant with medication. He does do things for me like getting brekky ready each morning giving me an extra 1/2 hour in bed. I do thank him for doing these things and letting him know it is appreciated.
Darcy
