Feeling depressed can be a debilitating condition that even in this day and age people are hesitant to discuss especially if there is an unusual issue such as why do I get depressed when I touch my nipples? But don’t panic we have looked at the possible causes and what you can do to help yourself. Keep reading for all the information you need.
Why Do I Get Depressed When I Touch My Nipples? – Sad Nipple Syndrome
The reason of feeling depressed after you touch your nipple is ‘sad nipple syndrome’. It can give women and men an intense feeling of sadness and the feeling they are doing something wrong. If you have been wondering why do I get depressed when I touch my nipples, do not panic, you are not alone and in fact, it affects a large number of women.
What is Sad Nipple Syndrome when You Touch Your Nipples?
Sad Nipple Syndrome aka depressed nipple syndrome is a real problem among many women and men. It is believed that it links to Dysphoric Milk Ejection (D-MER) where a lactating mum can be overcome with negative feelings just before or after milk leaves the breast.
It is a symptom that can be diagnosed as part of post-natal depression but it can occur in people who haven’t had a baby.
There is hardly any research to back up this as an actual syndrome but it is thought that when the nipples are touched it can trigger a reaction in the brain. Low levels of dopamine can make you feel depressed and considering that dopamine is a pleasure hormone many people believe that there could be a link between the two.
Of course, it seems to be more common in women after having a baby especially if they are breastfeeding.
After birth, your body is like a pinball machine with various hormones being thrown around so it is no wonder that we new moms have this on our plate as well.
Why do I Feel Depressed When I Touch my Nipples?
Touching nipple depression is a topic that’s not overly diagnosed but it can be misconceived as a part of postnatal depression. Low levels of the happy hormone Oxytocin and DoPamine can leave the person with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and stress.
Any sensation received by the nipples can trigger these feelings which are yet to be investigated.
After researching the syndrome it is quite apparent there is little to no evidence of this as a medical term but it is fairly popular. Here is a series of common complaints from a forum of people who suffer from it, and said they get depressed when they touch their nipple.
‣ Symptoms of depressed nipple syndrome
If you’re wondering “why do I feel depressed when I touch my nipples?”, you are not alone- many people have described the following as symptoms:
- Feeling Sad.
- Overwhelmed.
- Guilt.
- Naughty.
- Generally low.
- Horrible feelings in the pit of their stomach.
- Feelings of homesickness
- Jealousy.
As soon as nipple stimulation has stopped these feelings tend to diminish as quickly as they arrive.
What is Dysphoric Milk Ejection?
The links that this depression could have between dysphoric milk ejection can be looked at further.
A case report written by Alia M Heise and Diane Wiessinger suggests that lactating women can be subjected to a sudden drop in happy hormones moments before their milk releases. It is thought to last a moment or so but nevertheless still impacts you if you are breastfeeding.
Many breastfeeding moms have these feelings and go undiagnosed because there is little research around this condition. With more women experiencing these bouts of sadness and extreme negativity the numbers are expected to rise significantly in years to come.
Sad Nipple Syndrome vs Dysphoric Milk Ejection
Seeing as these two conditions are so closely linked it seems only right to see how they compare.
| Sad Nipple Syndrome | Dysphoric Milk Ejection |
| ‣ Can appear in women and men ‣ Feelings of overwhelming sadness ‣ It Happens when nipples are touched or stimulated in any way. | ‣ Known in lactating moms ‣ Sadness that lasts a short while until let down of milk. ‣ Not directly linked to nipple stimulation but to the release of milk. |
It is apparent that both sad nipple syndrome and dysphoric milk ejection have a close bond within their similarities but the sheer fact that one can only happen to lactating mothers separates the two conditions significantly. More research has gone into D-MER but this doesn’t mean that it is more common.
How Can I Manage My Symptoms?
If you are suffering from either of the conditions then you should seek advice from a professional but there are things you can try yourself first.
If you think you are suffering from D-MER then you could:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Try meditation techniques.
- Take a vitamin supplement alongside a balanced diet to ensure good hormone levels.
- Drink freezing water during milk let down.
- Plan for the future- create breastfeeding goals.
These can help but it is also a good idea to reach out to other moms in the same situation. There is no one better to help you than someone who is or has experienced the same feelings as you.
There is no scientific evidence to back up that these will work but the thought of relaxation and increasing the happy hormones could give an adverse effect on those low feelings.
You can also look at diet. Dopamine levels fall during this condition and it is created by the amino acid tyrosine. Eating foods rich in this nutrient could boost the dopamine levels in your system.
‣ Foods Rich in Tyrosine
- Chicken and other poultry.
- Avocadoes.
- Bananas.
- Pumpkin.
- Sesame seeds.
- Soy.
- Milk.
- Cheese.
- Yogurt.
Wrapping Up on Touching Nipple Depression
So why do I get depressed when I touch my nipples? To answer this question it is evident that both syndromes haven’t had enough research to detail what exactly the reasons are behind either. Dysphoric milk ejection has been identified as a more common condition.
If more people speak out about their suffering and experiences with both conditions medical research will have to be undertaken in order to find the best way to combat those low feelings of sadness.
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