There is a question that has sprouted in my mind as I’ve grown into adulthood. Why is the world so concerned with the sexuality of young people?
Recently, an article was released by the New York Times talking about the lasting effects of antidepressants on sexuality. This feels like a valid concern, except for when you realize how they framed it. “More Teens Are Taking Antidepressants. It Could Disrupt Their Sex Lives For Years.”
The effects of SSRIs on sexuality in adulthood are quite heavily researched and should always be information given upon prescription. However, that is not always the case.
I understand how this might be a concern to a teen. Young people are known for exploring their sexuality during puberty, those crucial teenage years. The author’s worry comes from a suspicion that taking the medication during puberty can permanently alter some people’s sexual feelings, often erasing them.
Many of the stories come from those in their thirties and forties, who were likely prescribed the drug when it was still less researched.
One story, however, stood out to me. A mother recalled allowing her daughter to be prescribed Zoloft at age 11 and now says that 24 years later, she cannot feel anything sexually. About her daughter being medicated, she said, “I can’t believe I so easily said yes.”
This was an interesting assessment to me. A mother would rather have preserved her daughter’s sexuality than dim her depressed or anxious feelings.
As a minor, the child does not get a legal choice in the matter. As a person, however, they should be heavily involved in the decision. A minor should be given the same information about the medication as their guardian.
Where people sometimes fail is not allowing their child to have an informed say. Many will do what they think is best for their baby, unless it is a necessary treatment.
In 2020, at 16 years old, when I brought up the COVID vaccine to my mom, she immediately mentioned an article she saw about the effects it could have on fertility.
Why was that her concern? I had immunocompromised family and friends that I did not want to risk spreading the illness to. It was incomprehensible to me how she did not see that angle.
The general worry surrounding the fertility of young men and women is also odd to me. The world is nearing overpopulation, and the foster system is full of children and teens in need. I understand that many people do cherish the experience of birthing their own child; however, I do not see why that needs to be such a pressure point.
I would also like to bring up LGBTQ+ youth. More specifically, I have noticed a double standard.
Why do parents feel like they have any more right to the details of your sex life when you are queer versus straight? Trans youth likely experience this invasion of privacy tenfold.
It can feel weird how involved adults can be in these intimate, private matters. While many come along for support, some are looking for control.
It is important to leave a safe space for a child to explore themselves and ask questions, but it goes too far when you are dissecting private aspects of their lives for them. Informing a child about the possible changes to their sexual feelings and giving them that autonomy will build trust.
This is all to say that maybe the focus is on the wrong place. Perhaps we should look at the foundation of these issues and what can be done to repair those.
Sexual education curriculum could use an update. Inform kids about their sexuality in a safe and factual way, rather than omitting certain information because it’s “inappropriate.”
Instead of continuing to profit from trying to fix the reported increase in mental illness, do more to try to prevent the situations and dismantle the institutions that cause so much mental distress.