Masturbation is natural & can be a healthy habit, & honestly - since in the comments everyone is speaking pretty openly - it's great for stress relief. Overdoing it can cause issues, especially if you watch too much porn. Porn addiction is real & I wish people spoke more openly on the damage it causes to people. I wish there were more resources for people dealing with it as well, & less shame around it. The internet made it a really huge issue, especially amongst my peers. Though that is a whole other convo.
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I didn't have sex until I got with my current partner when I turned about 19. I have a lot of sexual trauma - masturbation kinda helped me? I was a late bloomer with it, but it helped me become more comfortable with my body, & eventually, helped me cope better with my sexual trauma + really not like being touched at all, even hugs.
For some I understand how it can trigger one's sexual trauma - I have certain areas where I do not like being touched for that reason - so I understand. I'll say this though, for anyone struggling with it, I recommend slowly easing yourself into learning your body, it helped me a lot. Toys help too, especially if you're still learning about you're own body - it makes it a lot simpler.
I don't think someone should feel ashamed about self-pleasure, especially when it's how you're coping. I use it to cope sometimes - it can give you a little moment of clarity after as well. I just think it's important to not let it become something you depend on, or something you become addicted to.
