The Power of Touch: Understanding Skin Hunger and Overcoming Touch Deprivation
Human touch is essential to our well-being, yet it's often taken for granted. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the impact of touch deprivation and skin hunger, leaving many feeling lonely and disconnected. But what happens when the loss of touch is due to the death or breakup of a loved one? Let's dive in and explore the impact of skin hunger and how to overcome touch deprivation.
You chose a person to share a lifetime with. It is a commitment that ended sooner than you imagined or even wanted. Your world changes. You no longer see, hear or feel this person. At least not physically. At times, we take for granted the love around us. We think we have more time, and when it is ripped from us, we begin to feel guilt and resentment. Before we know it, we miss their connection and touch, including sex.
Touch is a fundamental aspect of our lives, playing a crucial role in promoting emotional and physical well-being, fostering strong bonds, and enhancing overall happiness. The absence of physical contact can have profound effects, leading to feelings of loneliness, heightened anxiety, depression, a scarcity of intimate relationships, prolonged isolation, and increased stress levels. Touch acts as a powerful stimulant, triggering the release of oxytocin, a hormone that fosters trust, provides comfort, and bolsters immune function.
Awareness is vital in evolving. Recognize that you are experiencing skin hunger/ touch deprivation. Your deep longing for touch may lead to feelings of loneliness or emptiness. You may have heightened sensitivity to physical contact when it does occur. Honor your grief and what you are feeling.
Here are some tips for satisfying this longing:
🤍 Engage in self-care practices such as massages, baths, self-touch, or even soothing lotions/oils. They can alleviate the longing for touch and create a sense of comfort.
🤍 The butterfly self-hug technique has many benefits in reducing stress and providing grounding, comfort, and feelings of safety.
🤍 Seek professional help from a licensed therapist or grief coach to help you through this process.
🤍 After losing a spouse, you may not want to engage in sexual activities with someone. I encourage you to build non-sexual and platonic friendships with others that can fulfill the need for a connection you may be longing for.
🤍 Engage in activities that may involve physical touch, like dancing, yoga, sports, etc.
Skin hunger is a powerful and often overlooked aspect of human nature. Recognizing and addressing this innate longing for touch is essential for our overall well-being. By nurturing our need for physical connection through self-care, seeking professional help when necessary, and fostering meaningful relationships, we can embrace the healing power of touch and create a more fulfilling life.
Remember, skin hunger is a natural and valid part of being human. Acknowledging and taking proactive steps can cultivate a greater sense of wholeness and emotional well-being. If you need support going through the grief of losing a loved one or partner I would love to help you on this journey!
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