Are Fetishes a Mental Health Issue?

A few people have ever heard of the term fetish, but is it a mental health issue? Before we answer your question, you should know about this sexual condition and how many people find it standard. Being fetish is about getting sexual arousal by using inanimate objects or caressing non-genital parts.

During masturbation, the person can feel any object type, smell, or taste. Hence, it stimulates his genitals. But if we talk about a mental health issue, then it is one such condition. People find it embarrassing even if they talk about their condition with others. Many individuals make fun of them, and hence, they hide it from others.

Check here how fetish people satisfy themselves. The fetish people should stop getting embarrassed, and they must talk to their sexologists. There is nothing wrong with their life. But they may act weird when it comes to doing sexual acts.

In the following write-up, we will discuss more about this condition and know its symptoms and treatments. It is not a severe mental health issue like many people show concern about. It is easy to resolve, and a person may feel normal like others.

Is It Okay to Be a Fetish?

By definition, the term fetish is not considered a disorder. But if it reaches an intense level of distress, then it can be called distress. In a relationship, if a couple enjoys those activities, it is okay. You can continue with it. But when the case is different, the partner can become impulsive and does not find himself attractive.

Due to embarrassment, many people commit suicide and create a critical condition for themselves and their families. It is necessary to control your feelings before it gets worse. Undoubtedly, there is no risk of being fetishized until your condition becomes worse.

Common Types of Fetishes

There can be anything that makes people fetish, and you can explore various sites to get more information about these people. They focus on different non-genital body parts like hair, tattoos, feet, obesity, and much more.

Sometimes, clothing and footwear can also attract these fetishes. There can be many things that make them get their attention. Any partners love such nature in their relationship, and they too enjoy them well.

Symptoms

• Get sexual arousal with non-genital body parts or non-living objects. The feeling can persist for more than six months.
• The person can get distressed in many functional areas like social or occupational.
• When it comes to attractive articles, it can be more than clothing.
• The person can choose other objects instead of choosing genital stimulation toys or objects.

How Do Fetishes Happen?

According to the research, it is found that it starts happening at the beginning of puberty. The early experience of masturbation or sexual arousal can define the likes and dislikes of objects. It is hard to detect when this disorder can happen to any person. The interest in different objects may differ from one person to another.

Impacts

Many individuals may suffer emotional distress, embarrassment, and shame. Fetish people do not feel confident whenever they share their thoughts and feelings with others. When it comes to communication in relationships, the person may find difficulty. Such people isolate themselves and stay alone all the time.

They may spend time alone and get involved in sexual activities. According to research, it is found that partners living with disorder find themselves unattractive and non-appealing. A couple has to deal with many problems, and therefore, they need to seek consultation and other treatment.

Treatments

1. Sex Therapy

You must contact your sex therapist, who can help you with this disorder. He may ask the entire psychological and sexual history of his patient, and they recommend the best solution for recovering their health.

They know all the expressions and interests of fetish people, including fantasies and other behavior. The therapist helps in providing counseling and coaching to keep your mind at peace. With the help of some techniques, a couple can explore their relationships to make things right. All the conditions like hypersexuality and mood swings are well-treated by this therapy.

2. Medication

If you want to control impulsive behavior and thoughts, it is necessary to manage your sex drive. You may suffer from various emotional and mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

Certain medications are available to control your sex drive that helps in managing the triggers. Some medicines like cyproterone acetate, etc., help in reducing testosterone levels. It enhances the therapy and helps the person to heal.

3. Counseling

Many sexologists and psychologists help such patients to calm their inappropriate sexual activities. They can help in understanding their mindset and make them control their embarrassment.

It is easy to deal with this mental health issue, and counseling can help in doing such a thing. You need to spend some time with them, and within some sessions, you will be able to control your feelings. It is a common way to deal with these problems.

4. CBT

You must get CBT training given by various sex therapists. They help in improving all the behavioral changes and thoughts of a fetish person. With the help of aversion therapy, it is easy to minimize the attention towards non-sexual objects. This therapy becomes effective when it is combined with drugs.

The Bottom Line

Fetishes are a common condition in many people to get sexual satisfaction. There are no genital parts and activities are involved. There are plenty of resources from where you can get an ample amount of information. Undoubtedly, it is not a mental health issue. But if it goes to an intense level, then it can be a severe condition.

If you find any of the mentioned symptoms, make sure you take proper treatments to get rid of embarrassment and distress. You have to understand that this is not a major problem if it is not well-treated on time. Make sure that you get an appointment with your sex therapist and improve your relationship with your partner.