Touch deprivation, also known as touch starvation or skin hunger, is a condition that arises when a person experiences little to no touch from other living beings. It can occur due to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other lack of physical touch, such as children in orphanages and elderly people in hospitals who don’t get enough positive contact. Human touch is a crucial part of how we interact with others, and it plays a role in the formation of body image and bonding through physical touch. When you don’t get enough physical touch, you can become stressed, anxious, or depressed. As a response to stress, your body makes a hormone called cortisol, which can cause your heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and breathing rate to go up, with bad effects for your immune and digestive systems. These things can lead to worse quality of sleep and a higher risk of infections. Other medical conditions, including diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure, may get worse.

Here are some signs that you might be suffering from touch deprivation:

• Aggressive behavior
• Body image issues
• High stress levels
• Loneliness
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low relationship satisfaction
• Fatigue

If you are touch deprived, there are some ways to help prevent it:

• Hugging a loved one or pet
• Holding hands
• Cuddling
• Massaging
• Taking long showers or baths
• Wrapping yourself in blankets
• Clinging to pillows or stuffed animals

It is important to note that touch deprivation can lead to adverse psychological complications, and if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, it is recommended to seek professional help.