How can depression after a heart event affect sexual activity?

Depression is common in people with heart disease, and especially after a heart event. Depression can make a person withdraw from relationships and have a general lack of energy. This may lead you to isolate yourself, sleep more often than usual, and have no interest in any pleasurable activities, including sex. Depression may also indirectly affect your sex life by causing weight gain and poor self-image. Further, when the intimacy in a relationship suffers, it may contribute to a cycle of feeling alone and depressed. Counseling and antidepressants may help you manage depression. Although keep in mind some anti-depressants can cause decreased sex drive. Your prescribing physician and therapist can help you find a treatment that works best for you.