The libido also made an early exit, as it does in most major illnesses-it is the superfluous need of a body in beleaguered emergency.
In "Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness," William Styron reflects on the profound effects of mental illness on the individual experience. He highlights how, in times of severe distress, various aspects of life, including sexuality, can diminish. This loss of libido is emblematic of the overwhelming nature of mental health crises, suggesting that the body's basic desires become secondary in the face of significant psychological challenges.
Styron's poignant observation underscores the...