At SANE we were over-whelmed a while back at the level of response to our sex and intimacy survey. Many of those responses were from carers who honestly shared the complications that mental illness had introduced into their relationship.
In this Topic Tuesday we’ll be sharing some of those findings along with strategies that couples have developed to help them deal with the changes they faced.
Please join SANE Help Centre Manager @Former-Member for a real and honest discussion about sex, physical intimacy and the connection with our mental health.
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I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?
Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.
The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.
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Welcome everyone to tonight’s conversation about the impact of mental health concerns on sex and (non-sexual) physical intimacy.
Last year I was invited to take part in a conference panel about sex and intimacy and its relationship with mental illness. I developed an online survey in the lead up to the conference thinking that it would be brilliant if about 50 people completed. I was delighted when over 2000 took the time to share their thoughts and experiences. It certainly made us realise at SANE how few opportunities there are to talk about this topic and how little easily accessible support and information is out there.
So today I want to give you a chance to talk about your experiences and concerns. And also to share with you some of the survey responses. Particularly all the amazing ideas and suggestions that people shared: Real life experience and real-life solutions. And that’s really what the forums are all about.
We want to have an open and honest conversation. But just a reminder about sticking to our forum guidelines and avoiding anything too graphic 
