Politics is killing my sex life

DEAR DEIDRE: My husband has lost all interest in sex since the general election was announced.

He checks his phone constantly for updates, and even brings it to bed to read the news under the covers in the middle of the night.

I’m 38 and he’s 41.

Until last October, we had a happy marriage and a normal sex life.

He wasn’t even particularly interested in the news. But as the weeks went by, it took over all his free time.

We don’t have any family or connections with the Conservatives, Labour or Lib Dems, and he doesn’t work in politics - he’s an accountant - so I don’t really understand why he’s become so obsessed with this.

He just can’t stop doom scrolling. And when he isn’t watching or reading the news, he’s meeting local politicians and researching where they might be.

We have nothing to talk about. It’s like he’s become an entirely different person.

If I’m in the mood for sex and try to come on to him, he says he’s too tired.

He doesn’t seem depressed and there’s nothing wrong with him physically.

I really miss sex and feel so rejected. I’ve tried talking to him about it, but he denies there’s a problem.

The election is over a month away and I’m worried our sex life will never get back on track.

DEIDRE SAYS: Your husband’s sudden obsession with politics, and his lack of interest in sex, are probably symptoms of a deeper unhappiness or emptiness.

Perhaps he’s using the election to block something out, so he doesn’t have to deal with it.

He could be suffering from anxiety.

Try to get him to see his GP and reach out to the mental health charity Mind (mind.org.uk, tel: 0300 123 3393).

My support pack on Obsessions would also be useful for you to read.
As for your sex life, try talking to him again and saying how much you’re both missing out on.

Read my support pack, Reviving a Man’s Sex Drive.