[Coffee.]

Originally Posted by cmbc

I think you understood me wrong. I masturbated because I was depressed and used it as an outlet to feel good.

Thanks for clarifying! I thought you were saying that masturbating was causing you to feel depressed.

Depression is a complicated illness. There are healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with it, unhealthy being alcohol and drugs, healthy being exercise, and the best (obviously) being seeking treatment for the depression in conjunction with utilizing those healthy coping skills. Personally, I think masturbation can usually be a healthy way to cope with depression. In the support group I used to go to, many people used it as a way to calm down during triggering times. A person having more orgasms in their life (including masturbation and sex) is linked (correlation, not causation) to healthier outcomes.

Robert is right in that if it's getting in the way of your life, that's when it's a problem. But using it as a coping mechanism isn't. I'd recommend seeking treatment for your depression professionally, but your masturbation does not sound like it's hindering your life, and I think it can be a healthy coping skill in this time of your life.