Since there are different kinds of depression, there are different ways the sex drive can be affected. It stands to reason then, that there are different ways of restoring your sexual well-being.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

It's dark, dreary, and dismal, and you're feeling down in the dumps and depressed. If you've tried light therapy and found that it helped, bring some of that light into the bedroom. If you can't escape to a sunnier clime, do some creative planning on the home front. Sex doesn't have to happen in the dark. Transform your boudoir and turn night into day. It might be fun to see what you're doing, instead of fumbling in the dark!

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is common in older folks. It's a bit like having a low-grade fever. You're always down, and some days more so than others. Depression is a constant companion. It's not a nice bedfellow, however, so it will take some work to kick dysthymia out of the bedroom. Are you feeling better as the day wears on? Mornings may not be the best time for sex. If you're feeling your best around midnight, that may be the time to pull out all the stops and play your own moonlight sonata.

Major Depressive Disorder

Here's where the double whammy occurs. First of all, the loss of interest in sex — that's part of anhedonia — is one of depression's symptoms. Then, finding the right medication that doesn't offer sexual dysfunction as an unwelcome side effect comes next. The good news here is that once you get your medications sorted out, and they've begun to work on the symptoms of your depression, libido generally returns and you can reclaim this important area of your life.