World Mental Health Day: Why Sexual Health Matters Too

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a reminder that our brains deserve just as much care and attention as our bodies. But here's the thing no one talks about enough: your sexual health is part of your mental health. Yep, the two are joined at the hip (pun intended).

So, let's explore why this is and how sex, our relationship with ourselves and others in the realms of intimacy, all play a part in our mental wellbeing.

Think about it: stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem don't just mess with your mood; they mess with your libido, too. And when sex starts to feel like a chore or a performance instead of something that actually brings you joy, it only adds to the mental load, not to mention when it feels like it disappears completely. That's why sexual health deserves a seat at the mental health table.

When we're stressed, exhausted, or running on empty, sex can feel completely out of reach and sometimes even the last thing on our minds. But here's the flip side: for many of us, a healthy sex life has a massive impact on our overall wellbeing. Feeling sexy, having great sex, and being able to explore what you want (safely and without pressure) doesn't just feel good physically; it's a massive boost for your mental health, too.

So, how can you start putting your sexual wellbeing front and centre, not just this month, but for the long run? Here are some expert tips to get you going.

1. Self-exploration = self-regulation

You know how people say exercise boosts your mood because of all those juicy endorphins? Well, guess what, orgasms do the same thing. When you take the time to explore your own body (with your hands or with a trusty Bed Nerdz toy), you're literally giving yourself a hit of happy hormones.

Masturbation is also a brilliant form of self-regulation. Having a stressful day? A cheeky solo session can help you release tension. Can't sleep? A late-night play date with your vibrator might knock you out faster than counting sheep. Exploring your body brings you back into the present moment. Solo play, partnered play can be the very thing you need to get you back on your feet or fast asleep.

2. Body confidence boost

Let's face it, most of us carry around some body insecurity, especially around our genitals. We're constantly bombarded with "ideal" images on social media and in porn, which makes it easy to feel like you're not enough or built wrong. But when you start exploring your body in your own time, on your own terms, something shifts, and we are here to remind you that all bodies, genitals included, are beautiful.

Using toys can help you discover new erogenous zones, appreciate sensations you didn't know you liked, and build a relationship with your body that isn't about how it looks, but how it feels. That's powerful stuff.

Our toys are here to provide you with precisely that: experiences that focus on feeling good, not fitting into some unrealistic mould. Explore our range today and see what gets the juices flowing!

3. Pleasure without performance

So much of our sex education (if you can even call it that) is built around performance. "Did you orgasm?" "How long did you last?" "Was it good for them?" The pressure is exhausting, and honestly, it's a fast track to performance anxiety.

But here's the beauty of solo play with toys: there's zero pressure to perform. You can take your time, experiment, and get curious about what actually feels good to you.

Whether it's the rumbly power of a wand or the teasing flicker of a suction toy, playing with toys is about pleasure on your terms. And learning that pleasure doesn't have to be performative is a massive mental health win.

4. Connection and communication

World Mental Health Day isn't just about individual wellbeing; it's also about the bigger picture. Using toys with a partner can open up conversations about pleasure, consent, and what turns you on and what actually feels good in the bedroom. Talking about your desires and experimenting together can build intimacy and reduce the shame or embarrassment that sometimes weighs heavily on our mental health.

Plus, nothing says "we're in this together" like laughing when the suction toy makes you slither across the bed like a snake!

Your Reminder!

World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that taking care of your brain also means taking care of your body, your desires, and your pleasure. Sexual health isn't something we need to keep in the shadows or tend to in silence; it is a part of our mental health and wellbeing.

So, if you've been waiting for permission to treat yourself to that new Bed Nerdz toy… this is it. Explore, play, discover what feels good, and remember: your sexual health matters just as much as your mental health.