Arousal

A part of the human experience includes being in different states of arousal. We define arousal in terms pertaining to both physical and psychological. Within the body there are processes that affect both the mind and body, we call this the mind and body connection. Pathways of communication on a continuum in most cases. Many times when we identify being aroused, colloquially we name it in terms of sexual arousal. There are also other states of arousal.

Types of General Arousal

A hyperarousal state are times when one experiences an awareness of things in their environment. This can look like noticing different details of an interaction or noticing your body feeling on edge and anxious. In these instances one is experiencing an activation of the ascending reticular activating system also known as (ARSA) which is occurring in the brain. This organizes being in an awake state. The brain is communicating to the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions without conscious thought, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It has two main divisions—the sympathetic system, which activates commonly known as the "fight, flight, fawn, freeze, and flop responses, and the parasympathetic system, which promotes rest and digestion. These responses can occur in different combinations and vary in intensity depending on the individual and the situation. They can be adaptive in protecting us from immediate danger, but if they become chronic or maladaptive, they can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

A hypoarousal state is defined by the mind and body's state of reduced physiological and psychological arousal. This can be a response to stressors or threats that look like being numb or detached such as feeling disconnected from one self or their surroundings. Being passive or withdrawn and possibly having a lack of motivation. Feeling lethargic or sluggish and having difficulties concentrating. Hypoarousal can be a normal response to stress, but it can also become a chronic condition if not addressed. It is often associated with trauma, anxiety disorders, and depression. In some cases, hypoarousal can be a protective mechanism that allows a person to conserve energy and avoid further threats. However, in other cases, it can be a debilitating state that interferes with daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoarousal, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes aimed at increasing arousal levels and improving coping mechanisms.

Sexual Arousal

Sexual arousal is defined as a physiological and psychological state that occurs in response to sexual stimulation, leading to feelings of excitement, desire, and physical changes. The physiological or somatic response includes increased blood flow to parts of the genitals, hormone release that includes oxytocin, estrogen, and testosterone. In these instances the nervous system is activated, feeling like an increase in body temperature and increase in heart rate followed by sensation in one sex organs also known as erogenous zones. There are psychological processes that are taking place as well. When the brian interprets a sexual stimulus this engages the arousal process. This can happen once a person experiences a smell, touch, taste, sound, or memory whether this is fantasy or reimagining a past experience. Arousal can also happen from the feeling connected to an individual.  So, there can be  somatic responses and an emotional response that co-enside. Sexual emotional arousal is a state of arousal the pairing of both mind and body creates an erotic stimulus. This plays a role in feeling excitement, pleasure, desire. These experiences are more subjective and therefore more complex.

Stages of Sexual Arousal

An Initial stage with physical and psychological changes called  sexual motivation is what drives desire. This can be sexual in nature or be non-sexual such as the want or desire to feel closeness and/or intimate. Next is sexual receptivity which is described as feeling an openness to experiences as sexual or intimate experiences. Then there is the stage when stimuli with context occurs during partner sex the context typically includes who is involved, how one's body is feeling whether tired or not and levels of stress. Next to discuss is arousability defined the body's ability to change and experience responses pertaining to sexual desire and activity. Then is the stage of responsive desire when desire increases or intensifies along with the sexual or intimate activity. The last stage is satisfaction, this can be personally defined. A reflective question that I can leave you with as guidance is…how satisfied did you feel after the sexual or intimate experience?