Components of Sexuality
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation refers to a person’s enduring patterns of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to one or more sexes. It is a highly nuanced concept, and there is a greater variety of sexual orientations one may identify with other than the following.
Types of Sexual Orientations
- Heterosexual: Attraction to the opposite gender/sex
- Homosexual: Attraction to the same gender/sex
- Bisexual: Attraction to both genders/sexes
- Pansexual: Attraction to people regardless of gender/sex
- Asexual: Little or no attraction towards any gender/sex
Gender Identity
Gender identity is referring to an individual’s understanding and sense of their own gender. It is distinguished from the concept of “sex”, that is based on characteristics that are biologically defined. Individuals may identify internally as male, female, or a range of other variations of gender that do not necessarily correspond to their biological sex. As such, gender is increasingly understood on a spectrum, instead of being a strict separation into the traditional categories of male and female.
Gender Dysphoria
When an individual’s assigned sex does not match their internal sense of gender, some experience gender dysphoria. There may be strong, lasting feelings of discomfort with one’s biological sex, and this sense of incongruency affects other aspects of one’s life. Yet, it is important to note that not everybody struggling with their gender identity experiences these feelings of unease.
Gender dysphoria is a diagnosable disorder, and if you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing it, consultation with a professional is encouraged.
Sexuality and Mental Health
People whose sexual orientation or gender identity differs from what is traditionally accepted may be particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. This includes an increased risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harming behaviours.
There are many factors that could contribute to this, with external pressures and societal norms often being sources of distress that negatively impact one’s well-being.
Examples of Sexuality Issues
- Discrimination or harassment
- A fear of being rejected by close ones
- A need to suppress or conceal one’s true sexual orientation or gender identity
- Feeling different or unable to belong
Coping with Sexuality Issues and Supporting Others
While dealing with your sexuality can be a difficult experience, there is help that can be sought to make it a less stressful process. Seeking help from mental health professionals could enable you to learn to deal with the obstacles posed by the society you live in, and to learn ways to process the internal struggles you are facing.
Accepting and supporting others who may be struggling is also vital in reducing the distress they are feeling. As mentioned above, many of the difficulties individuals face with regards to their sexualities are a result of the stigma and negative attitudes people have towards them. Greater openness and understanding towards the diverse sexualities of others could thus alleviate the detrimental effects of negative attitudes and behaviours present in the environment, and is a way we can help to lessen their vulnerabilities to mental health issues.
