Signs Someone Is Touch Starved and Ways to Heal From It

Published November 8, 2023

We can all agree that physical touch is a feeling unlike any other. As humans, we’re wired to crave it. On the day of our birth, we’re already cuddled, rubbed, and snuggled by others. Physical contact with other humans is critical. It is for our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. 

Touch deprivation or skin hunger can negatively impact these aspects of our lives. It may result in experiencing negative sensations. You’ll find feelings of emptiness and loneliness for one to arise more than usual. 

In this article, we’ll dive into all the signs someone is touch starved. More importantly, what does it mean, its importance, and the mental health effects of it. We’ll also discover how to cope with affection deprivation. Finally, how ASMR back scratch massage can aid. Let’s start.

What It Means to Be Touch Starved: Touch Deprivation

Touch starvation is the desire for physical contact that people may experience after having little to no physical interaction with others for a period of time. It can be compared with the feeling of food during hunger. 

Research has proven that touch is critical for humans. It is vital when it comes to communicating emotions and maintaining relationships. Many studies fixate on the importance of social contact in human development. 

Touch can activate certain areas of our brain. It may also impact thought processes, reactions, and physiological responses. For instance, research suggests that affective touch activates the orbitofrontal cortex. It is involved with emotional and social behaviors. It also aids in learning. Finally, decision-making. 

Touch is calming. It is reassuring for people experiencing distress. A 2017 study notes that embracing and patting distressed children is soothing. A 2015 research even suggests that human touch may help fight off infections. How powerful can touch be?

Signs Someone Is Touch Starved

1. You feel a deep sense of loneliness

Without human contact, we tend to experience loneliness. You might sense extreme loneliness if you’re not getting adequate physical contact in your daily life. It can feel different for different people. For many of them, it may be best described as a deep sadness or loss. It is especially true when you see others close to each other. 

2. You feel stressed out

Physical contact aids in lessening stress. It relaxes tension. You might feel a bit more stressed when you aren’t touched for a long time. Also, more high-strung than usual. It is our body’s way of signaling that we need more human touch. 

Fortunately, stress-relieving activities like self-care yoga and meditation can decrease stress levels. They will also leave you feeling better overall.

3. You’re feeling more anxious than usual

Touch starvation can worsen anxiety disorders. If you’re already struggling with it and now it’s getting worse, it may be due to having little physical contact. You may feel yourself being more on edge. You may be more stressed. Also, you cannot do things you usually would without feeling extreme anxiety. 

Touch starvation can also exacerbate other mental dilemmas, including depression.

4. You spend most of your time by yourself

When you’re isolated, you also do not get enough human contact. Even if you like being alone or spending most of your time alone, you’re likely not touching people. More so, you’re not engaging with them very much.

 You may identify as an introvert. Yet, you still need a hug every now and then.

5. You’re having trouble sleeping 

Feeling lonely or anxious can sometimes influence sleep issues. Insomnia is a usual marker of touch starvation. It can also be hard to deal with. 

6. You feel tired

Not being touched can also drain your energy. Suppose you’re sleeping adequately. Yet you always wake up feeling restless, it could be because of a lack of physical contact. Loneliness can be exhausting.

7. You have body image issues

Studies display that not being touched can impact how you see yourself. If you have a negative perception of your body or are battling with disordered eating, touch starvation may have an influence. It is prevalent for people who experience skin hunger early in their childhoods. 

Talk therapy and mental health professionals can support you. They can help you overcome any issues surrounding your body. You can regain your confidence again. 

8. You feel aggressive or angry

Touch deprivation can boost your irritation. Lack of human touch is connected to aggressive behavior. It is when you are feeling more on edge lately. Also, you notice you’re quicker to yell when you’re mad. It might all be because you’re touch-starved. This unfortunate behavior can also be both verbal and physical. 

Fortunately, studies display that it can decrease when you apply massage therapy. 

9. You’re having issues in your relationship

You may be desiring non-sexual intimacy. Even when you’re in a romantic relationship and have a sex life, you can still experience skin hunger. It is the case when you and your partner are not touching each other non-sexually. You might feel moody, irritated, and on edge with them. It is even if you know they’ve done nothing wrong. 

Things like holding hands, hugging each other, and giving each other massages help. They can help alleviate your skin hunger. 

10. You’re experiencing sexual dysfunction

Touch starvation directs to stress. Stress can influence sexual dysfunction. It may be linked to your libido if you’re struggling with it. Human touch calms us down. It makes us feel more relaxed. In doing so, it leaves us more open to having sex. 

If you’re concerned about your loss of libido, contact a doctor. Lowered libido can manifest for many reasons. They can help you pinpoint where it’s coming from. 

11. You’re self-medicating with drugs and alcohol

You might find yourself craving the dissociation that is induced by using substances. When you use drugs or alcohol, you don’t feel as stressed. You won’t have time to think about your lack of human contact. 

Typically, it’s okay to consume alcohol in moderation. Yet, if you drink daily or use drugs, it’s a different conversation. Get professional help right away. 

12. Fear of attachment and unsatisfying relationships 

Individuals suffering from skin hunger may feel fearful about becoming attached. They could also be less likely to form secure attachments with others. It could be down to the fact that they are self-preoccupied. They may suffer from excessive shyness. They are anxious about reaching out. Also, becoming involved in long-term intimacy. 

Why Is Touch Important?

Skin-to-skin contact is critical for our mental and emotional health. It also plays a role in maintaining our physical health. 

The body emits the stress hormone cortisol when we feel snowed under pressure. One of the significant things touch can do is lessen such stress. It allows the immune system to work the way it should. 

Touch can also calm certain bodily functions. It alleviates our heart rate and blood pressure. It does so by stimulating pressure receptors. They are responsible for transporting signals to the vagus nerve. This nerve links the brain to the rest of the body. It uses the signal to slow the pace of the nervous system. 

In early life, touch is thought to be indispensable for building healthy relationships. Touch stimulates pathways for oxytocin. It also does the same for serotonin, and dopamine. 

Touch also deals with . It reduces both pain and feelings of social exclusion.

What Are the Mental Health Effects of Touch Starvation?

According to experts, touch starvation may introduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. These can trigger further issues. 

Our body releases cortisol to overcome stress. It suppresses our digestive and immune systems. It increases us: 

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Respiration
• Muscle tension 

These dilemmas can impact our sleep quality. It also increases the chance of infections. It also worsens conditions such as: 

• Asthma
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes 

Research from 2019 explains that you receive a sense of comfort, security, and satisfaction from the human touch. 

You bond with others from it. So, you can experience distress without it. Lack of physical touch can lead to feelings of emptiness and loneliness. 

Feelings of loneliness can weaken cognitive functions. It is detrimental to memory and concentration. It also makes you more likely to develop conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

How to Cope With Affection Deprivation: Heal from Touch Starvation

1. Online exercise classes 

You can choose from countless online exercise classes, including yoga. They allow you to interact without leaving your home. They do not involve physical touch. Yet they can make you feel less alone. 

More importantly, physical activity can better our well-being. It is also influential in enhancing our cognitive functions. It is such as memory and learning. It also lessens stress and depression. Finally, it improves sleep.

2. Wrapping yourself in blankets

You can find comfort by wrapping yourself up in blankets. Give yourself a warm, comforting sensation. 

A weighted blanket is also encouraged. It mimics the feeling of a hug. It can support a place of peace and calm. 

3. Video chat 

Video chatting does not replace human touch. Yet, it greatly helps. When you interact with others, it can help alleviate some signs of skin hunger. 

4. A self-massage

A self-massage can help you overcome skin hunger, too. It can help stimulate nerves. Stimulating the vagus nerve, for one, aids in reducing stress. Moreover, a massage can give you some of the human contact you crave. 

5. Singing and dancing 

Singing and dancing boost oxytocin levels. They also promote happiness, even when you can’t be with others. So, when you’re feeling lonely, turn on your favorite uplifting music. Partner it up with some dancing sessions in your room. 

You can also try having an online dance party with your loved ones. 

6. Reflecting on previous experiences

If you can’t physically touch your loved ones, remember the last time you did. Recounting previous memories can help you fight negative feelings. 

7. Pillows

Pillows can aid in making you feel secure and comfortable. They can mimic cuddling. A body pillow can give you the feeling of having someone you love next to you. Hugging even a regular pillow can help in reducing stress. 

8. Playing or cuddling with your pet

Playtime with your pet can help you relax. It is a stress-relieving activity. It eases symptoms of touch starvation. 

Cuddling a pet boosts your oxytocin levels. It decreases loneliness. 

9. Communicate regularly 

Regular communication is powerful even if you can’t physically be with your family or friends. Send text messages and talk to the phone as often as you can. It will reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. 

10. Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) 

It refers to the pleasant sensation some individuals experience when listening to ASMR videos. The sounds activate the area of the brain that processes touch. It helps people feel calm and relaxed. 

ASMR Back Scratch Massage

ASMR Back Scratch Massage is a popular relaxation technique. It combines soothing sounds and a gentle touch to yield a tingling sensation on the skin. If you’re struggling with touch deprivation, it will significantly fulfill your need for physical contact. 

Book a session with NailingIt.Us. We will introduce you to the transformative power of touch you currently crave. There’s no shame in dealing with touch starvation; we’re more than willing to help you. 

In managing your skin hunger, you proactively work towards good mental health. And good mental health is a foundation for better holistic health and well-being. You’re doing yourself a big favor, one that can turn your life around. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Touch Deprivation

1. What happens when a child is touch-starved? 

Lack of physical touch and affection can direct emotional and behavioral dilemmas in children. They may experience increased stress. They may also display anxiety and depression. It is also shown to be related to exhibiting aggressive or withdrawn behavior. 

2. How do I feel touch starved? 

You may find yourself longing for physical touch. You will also feel lonely and isolated. Touch deprivation can also contribute to emotional distress. 

3. How long does it take for the body to forget touch? 

The body does not truly forget touch. Our skin and nervous system retain the ability to recall tactile sensations throughout our lives. 

4. How long does touch memory last? 

There is limited research on touch memory duration. Studies suggest that tactile memory may not be as long-lasting or vivid as visual or auditory memories. Tactile memories can be relatively short-lived. Yet, the emotional impact of a touch experience can enhance its memorability. It can also potentially extend its duration. 

Touch starvation is a real thing. We’ve discovered how beneficial touch can be. On the flip side, the lack of it can negatively influence many aspects of our health and well-being. That said, you deserve to take steps toward fighting skin hunger. 

You can start with us, NailingIt.Us. Our ASMR Back Scratch Massage aims to render you a session of relaxing, stress-relieving, light, and delicate massage filled with transformative touch. We help you reach a sense of calmness and peace, a tranquility. Give yourself a break from all of life’s demands and take control of your life. 

Author Tracy Gorman

I am Tracy Gorman, an experienced writer dedicated to producing compelling and informative content. With a deep understanding of diverse subjects such as lifestyle, beauty, and wellness, I create valuable articles for everyone.