Porn addictions are on the rise, and why Covid-19 is the culprit?
DeVon Mills PhD | LPC | CSAT-C • May 14, 2020
Throughout the world, sites like pornhub.com are seeing an increase in viewership of coronavirus themed videos. Sites are cashing in on the rise of searches like Coronavirus and Covid-19. Searches in relation to the topic of the pandemic have been increasing since early 2020.
Why? People are home by themselves or with those they love
and finding they have a lot of extra free time on their hands. Others are dealing with an abundance of fear and stress. As a result, many are using sexual desires as coping mechanisms to deal with the added stress or fear of death.
Often, our brains think subconsciously as a way of altering our attitudes. This helps us cope with stress, drama, or fear. For some, acting out sexually has become a way of numbing themselves from feeling difficult or unwanted emotions.
This article will address two major trends that are happening as a result of our mandatory stay-at-home measures. We will discuss the increase in porn viewership among adults.
Discovery of a Porn Addiction
The first trend is the discovery of porn addictions. Spouses are discovering their partner's addictions. With everyone now so closely together in the home, addictive behaviors are standing out more and more. Likewise, spouses are recognizing that something is off.
What can you do if you discover your spouse or partner has a porn addiction? If you feel like your partner's pornography use is a violation of trust, as in the form of infidelity, or feel disgusted and hurt, try these suggestions:
- Take a moment to process what you're feeling.
- Remember: this is not your fault.
- Ask questions about the use of pornography. How often? When? Where? Why?
- Tell your partner what pornography use means to you.
- Come up with a plan or seek professional help. New Paragraph
Disclosure of a Porn Addiction
The second major trend is the disclosure of a porn addiction. Those struggling with porn addiction are feeling now is the best time to inform their partners about their porn addictions.
Why do those with addictions feel now is the time to come forward? There is a lot of debate on the topic of 'why now' during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some believe it may be due to religious beliefs and a fear of impending death. Spending more time together as a couple may strengthen the relationship. Couples may be reconnecting while at home together. By doing so, it brings the relationship to a point the spouse or partner feels ready to be open and honest. Another possibility could be the extra time at home has created a new perspective. As a result, a new perspective leads to a desire to make a change in their life.
As difficult as the situation is, an important thing to remember is this is not your fault. It is also helpful to know you are not alone. Before taking the first step in helping your spouse or partner, you may need support in processing your emotions. Support is available to you. At Thrive Counseling of Atlanta, we have a team of therapists who can step in and offer you the support you need.
My spouse has a porn addiction, what now?
At Thrive Counseling Atlanta, we have the expertise and experience in helping those with pornography addictions. We also offer Telehealth and online Mental Health Resources during this Covid-19 pandemic. When your spouse or partner decides they are ready to tackle the addiction, we are readily available to help by offering Telehealth services. You can use our services to reach out and begin taking the steps toward healing.
Whether you discovered the porn addiction, or it was disclosed to you, the news can be devastating either way. If your spouse or partner is not ready for help, and you find yourself with a new pile of emotions, we are here for you. We can help you unload the weight of everything you are going through. Call us today.
Written by
DeVon Mills PhD | LPC | CSAT-C
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been in private practice for five years. I work primarily with men who have traumatic histories, are struggling with overcoming sexually addictive behaviors, sexual identity issues, and men who are HIV+ and learning to navigate life after receiving their diagnosis.
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