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by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.
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Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

A Wellness Perspective on Impotence and Other Sexual Dysfunctions, Perversions, Dilemmas and Controversies

Thursday January 31, 2002

Wellness is a mindset characterized by a strong sense of personal responsibility. Wellness lifestyles are based on an awareness of and regard for key principles in at least 14 major life skill areas. The concept has relevance to times when we are faced with negative changes, as well as the usual positive goals associated with the term.

As the host of the Wellness Center at SeekWellness.com, my role is to offer suggestions, ideas and facts about ways in which wellness or self-management strategies might add value to the quality of your life. I stand ready to assist you in efforts to deal creatively and effectively with problems, challenges and opportunities -- in a limited way, with general advice. You will still need to see a real doctor if you have a medical problem, but in the meantime I may be able to give you a wellness slant on whatever is on your mind. Then again, maybe I won't. Try me.

A topic in which I have no expertise but a lot of interest is sexuality. Any questions about what is appropriate sexuality and what isn't, or perhaps if your spouse is doing the right thing in this regard, or not? Whom do you ask about such extremely personal matters? Not me, I hope.

On the other hand, suppose you have a question about impotence or sexual impotence or other sexual dysfunctions, whether temporary or otherwise? What if you need insights that might apply in your life or be useful for someone in your care? Would you trust me with such a question? Probably not, and that's just as well.

Though I am a promoter of healthy lifestyles with a doctorate in health promotion, not medicine, I do understand that an estimated 30 to 40 million American males are considered to have some degree of Erectile Dysfunction (ED.) This is surely a modest estimate, based on the definition of persistent or repeated inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance for at least three months. I personally can't see why anyone would want to maintain an erection for three months, given the importance of balance in one's life but, then again, tastes do vary.

Oh, by the way, humor is an important part of a wellness perspective, in that it can lighten the darkest of moods, change brain chemistry, create "feel good" emotions, defuse tension and assist people to bond and cooperate.

Unfortunately, not everyone finds the same things humorous, but then risk-taking is sometimes a part of continued development and often contributes to human understanding and advancement.

ED is a tough nut to crack, so to speak. It can and does invite misunderstanding, divides and distances couples, creates conflicts and emotional upsets, fosters shame and guilt and otherwise diminishes the prospects of healthy habits and satisfying relationships. Sound communications and openness to new perspectives are among the factors that can contribute to a near-term reduction in these and other problems and sometimes, in the long-term, the complete resolution of all dysfunctions. A wellness perspective can provide an effective context in which to see the broadest possible picture, in the best framework, when dealing with specific parts of the whole of life.

Whether you do or do not have ED or other sexual problems, look around this Wellness Center. In addition to hundreds of essays about a self-management perspective on issues of varied kinds, you might enjoy other interesting features, including my interviews with wellness leaders, a resource section for conferences and other helpful resources, entertaining descriptions of foundation wellness concepts and more. It won't cure ED, or address the deeper concerns you might have about sexual dysfunctions, perversions, dilemmas and controversies, but, it might take your mind off such matters for a while and help you get a better sense for the big picture. Then you can go to a real expert in these areas and get the attention you may need, while at the same time having a sense of the context in which these concerns fit into a much broader picture. That way, they won't seem intractable and you won't forget all that you have going for you.

So, have fun, look after yourself, take good care, be well and look on the bright side of life. All the best.

Domain: mental
Subdomain: mental health

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