From the Guidelines
Lack of physical touch for months can significantly impact your well-being through touch starvation, which may be causing feelings of loneliness, increased stress, anxiety, or depression. Consider seeking appropriate touch through massage therapy, which provides therapeutic touch in a professional setting, or asking trusted friends or family for hugs when you feel comfortable. Physical touch releases oxytocin, reduces cortisol levels, and activates pressure receptors that calm your nervous system. Humans are biologically wired for social touch, which helps regulate emotions and provides a sense of connection. If touch deprivation is severely affecting your mental health, speaking with a therapist could help develop coping strategies. Meanwhile, self-soothing techniques like weighted blankets, warm baths, or self-massage can partially address your body's need for tactile stimulation until more human contact becomes available. Some studies suggest that social isolation and loneliness can have severe consequences on mental and physical health, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease 1. Additionally, research has shown that engaging in social interactions, even with strangers, can have emotional benefits and improve mood 1. It is essential to prioritize social connections and physical touch to maintain good mental and physical health. Some key points to consider include:
- The importance of social touch in regulating emotions and providing a sense of connection
- The potential consequences of touch deprivation, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression
- The benefits of seeking professional help, such as therapy, to develop coping strategies
- The use of self-soothing techniques, such as weighted blankets and warm baths, to partially address the need for tactile stimulation. Overall, it is crucial to address the lack of physical touch and social isolation to maintain good mental and physical health.
From the Research
Potential Impact of Lack of Human Touch
- The lack of human touch can have significant effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being, as humans have a fundamental need for physical contact 2.
- Social distancing measures, such as those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, can reduce the amount of touch in everyday life, potentially leading to negative psychological and physical consequences 3.
- The absence of touch can be particularly detrimental for individuals who are already experiencing depression or anxiety, as it can exacerbate feelings of isolation and disconnection.
Relationship Between Touch and Mental Health
- Research suggests that touch can have a positive impact on mental health, with benefits including reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mood 3.
- However, the relationship between touch and mental health is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of touch on mental well-being.
- Studies on depression have focused on the efficacy of antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine, but have not directly addressed the impact of touch on mental health 4, 5, 6.
Considerations for Nursing Practice
- Nurses can play an important role in providing compassionate care through consensual touch, which can help build authentic relationships with patients and promote emotional well-being 3.
- However, it is essential to consider individual preferences and cultural norms when using touch as a form of non-verbal communication in nursing practice.