At Teenage Mental Health, we recently had the opportunity to discuss an important topic on Greatest Hits Radio, the intricate relationship between mental health and sexual health. Given the significance of this subject, we wanted to share key insights from our conversation in this blog to continue breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and promoting open conversations.
Meet Our Founder: Fiona Hannah
Fiona Hannah, is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and the Founder and Clinical Director of Teenage Mental Health in Ipswich. Fiona established TMH in 2019 with the goal of providing immediate, effective mental health support for young people and their families without waiting lists. Fiona is also currently completing her Doctorate in Child Psychotherapy at the University of Essex, where they're researching the role of therapy dogs in psychotherapeutic relationships.
Fiona shares, she chose this field because "I saw firsthand how difficult it can be for young people to access appropriate mental health care. Parents often struggle to find services that truly support their children, and I wanted to create a service where no one feels unheard or unseen in times of crisis."
Understanding Teenage Mental Health (TMH)
At TMH, we provide specialist therapy services for children, adolescents, and families. While we offer support for all ages, our expertise lies in working with young people. We operate on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring that mental health care remains accessible and immediate. You can be 2 or 102 years old, our doors are open to you.
Find out more about us:
Website: www.teenagementalhealth.co.uk
Facebook: @TeenageMentalHealthSuffolk
Instagram: @tmhsuffolk
Twitter: @TMHSuffolk
LinkedIn: Teenage Mental Health
YouTube: TMHsuffolk
The Connection Between Mental and Sexual Health
Many people do not immediately link mental health and sexual health, but the two are deeply intertwined. Good mental health supports healthy relationships, confidence, and decision-making—while poor mental health can lead to struggles with intimacy, self-esteem, and even risky behaviours.
If mental health declines, it can affect an individual's ability to:
Form and maintain relationships
Make safe, informed decisions about sexual health
Experience intimacy without distress or anxiety
Cope with stigma, shame, or past trauma
Likewise, challenges with sexual health such as stigma, coercion, or medical conditions can impact mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and self-worth struggles.
How Mental Health Conditions Affect Sexual Wellbeing
Mental health struggles can impact sexual health in many ways:
· Low Self-Esteem & Risky Behaviour – Feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy can lead to poor decision-making in relationships or even promiscuity and can serve as a form of self-harm.
· Medication Side Effects – Some medications for depression and anxiety can reduce libido or make it difficult to experience pleasure, which can affect confidence and relationships.
· Vulnerability to Coercion – Those struggling with mental health conditions may find it harder to assert boundaries, putting them at greater risk of coercion or abuse.
Addressing the Stigma
Both mental health and sexual health have historically been surrounded by shame and stigma. Unlike physical health concerns, which are widely accepted, discussions around mental wellbeing and sexual wellbeing are often hushed, avoided, or judged.
· This stigma prevents people from seeking support
· It increases feelings of isolation
· It worsens mental health issues
· It creates barriers to accessing services
It would be helpful to discuss these connections openly and ensure that everyone has access to safe, supportive, and stigma-free healthcare.
Barriers to Accessing Support
One of the most common barriers we see at TMH is the feeling of being unheard or misunderstood by statutory services. Many people delay seeking help because they believe the NHS is overwhelmed, only to face long waiting times when they finally reach out. But some areas are better than others, and you should always try. Rather than accepting disappointment if it doesn't work out, there's often charitable or private sector options out their for advice, or even care. Always take time in vetting these other options.
Cultural and societal attitudes also play a role. Different backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs can shape how individuals view sex, relationships, and mental health. Sometimes making it even harder to talk about these topics. Providing a fully inclusive approach where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected as a human being is needed. At TMH we respect and welcome all.
Breaking Misconceptions & Encouraging Open Conversations
Young people are often surprised to learn that their mental health can impact their sexual health, whether through changes in libido, difficulty forming relationships, or struggles with self-esteem.
Encourage open conversations and normalise discussing sexual health like we do physical health
Services are available and accessible to provide education and accessible resources. As a mental Health Practice working with young people, we ensure our professionals have access to relevant resources for our patients for if it is felt needed or requested.
Ensuring professionals are equipped to support both mental and sexual health together is especially important as the two can arise side by side.
At TMH, we take practical steps to reduce stigma, such as providing free condoms and sanitary products in our facilities. Simple actions like these help young people feel safe discussing their health without fear or shame, or have access to such important products they may struggle to purchase themselves.
Looking Ahead: How Do We Break the Cycle?
The good news is that attitudes are changing. Over the last 30 years, we have seen considerable progress in how mental health and sexual health are discussed. However, we still have a long way to go.
· Education is key – Schools can play a vital role in teaching young people about mental and sexual health in a shame-free way.
· Better integration of services – Many services (NHS, charities, private providers) operate separately, creating gaps in support. More cohesion and collaboration could help. Our doors are open, and we are poised for conversations with other service and professionals always.
· Healthcare training – Mental health professionals need better resources and education on how to support sexual health issues (and vice versa).
At Teenage Mental Health, we believe that no one should feel alone in their struggles, whether mental, physical, or sexual. Our mission is to provide immediate, effective, and stigma-free support for those in need.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is here.
