Touch Deprivation

[Caroline Gutierrez Abreu]

Yes, let's talk about it.

I'm a nurse and a bodyworker/energyworker, as well as being one of those people for whom physical affection is not just pleasant or fun but a downright necessity. I'm a hugger. I'm a toucher.

I think, though, that in modern society, we just don't get enough casual contact to keep us from getting depressed. We think it is loneliness, we think it is horniness, we think it is a lot of things, but what a lot of it is, simply, is lack of physical contact with others in our environment. Our bodies were designed to be touched; there are millions and millions of nerve cells all over the outsides of us that are sitting there waiting to have some sensory input.

Can we start a revolution? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to huddle together in a giant puppy pile until we were all content? I think that allowing ourselves to be affectionate with each other, no agendas, no intent, just letting ourselves interact with each other so we get enough Vitamin Touch to keep away the blues would be a splendid thing.

There have been studies done that prove that infants fail to thrive if they are not held enough. If it affects them that strongly, you know it affects us our whole lives. We need each other. We shouldn't be afraid or ashamed to touch each other.

[Caroline Gutierrez Abreu]

No, ZenDog (you know, I used to have a Rottweiler named Zen, seriously)... it's okay. I just thought you were trying to be a troll. I'm fairly new here so I am not familiar with the trolls and flamers yet (and I'm sure there are some).

[Caroline Gutierrez Abreu]

Well, that's criminal. And yes, sometimes people abuse other people with touch. But that doesn't mean we still don't become touch deprived if we lack human contact. One of the populations that suffers the most are the elderly, who might not have any physical contact with others whatsoever unless they are institutionalized, and even then only in a cursory way.

[ZenDog]

I see I've spoiled your thread. please, delete my comments

[ZenDog]

hmm, yes, I realized there might be a bit of confusion after I posted. while rohypnol is referred to as the date rape drug, it has other uses. For the sake of clarity, I wasn't on a date, and no, I wasn't raped.

I'm sure the event was entertaining enough, for someone . . .

[Caroline Gutierrez Abreu]

Whatever; I did not post this to get into people's issues. I posted it to discuss touch deprivation. Touch does not equal sex. I am not talking about sex. If you are, you are commenting on the wrong blog.

[ZenDog]

roofied - rohypnol, it's that date rape drug? Some folks use it to make the subject appear either paranoid without reason, or just plain stupid.

They think it's fun.

and umm, Yes, I do, I have issues . . .

[Caroline Gutierrez Abreu]

I don't know what that means, but if you have an issue with being touched, I'm not likely to do it.

[ZenDog]

hmm. I've been roofied twice. ya might wanna do a mood check before you go all touchy on me.