[moonlightgirl]

Well I HATE being touched at all. It took me a longgggg time until I could even hug my friends. I think that being afraid to be touched is a phobia, but Im not sure. I'll have panic attacks if Im being touched like being forced to hug. Anyone have any advice??

[Cyran0]

I don't have much experience with phobias (I'm in the general anxiety camp) but based on how you react to being touched, I'd say yeah, it's a phobia. In fact, I think it's a fairly common one.

I'm told they treat phobias by very gradually exposing you to your fear until you sort of develop a new comfort level but again, I'm not an authority. My best advice would be to see a therapist about it as they'll really know how to handle it.

Cyran0

[moonlightgirl]

Thanks for the advice though.

[sundog]

Hi (((((moonlightgirl))))))) I agree that it would be good to talk to a therapist or counselor about this. I have some phobias and I've found that the longer they go on, the more entrenched they become. Talking to a counselor could help you figure out what is behind your fear of being touched and then you can work on it together.

Sending you gentle cyberhugs

[with or without you]

I have the same problem with touching, I am finally addressing it in therapy right now. (I have social phobia, btw)

[EyesofSadness3]

In a way, yes it is a phobia. I have had the same problem. Only recently have I gotten over it. If people I don't know get too close I have a panic attack. I also can't handle large crowds. I'm sorry you are having troubles. I send hugs

[with or without you]

Originally Posted by EyesofSadness3

In a way, yes it is a phobia. I have had the same problem. Only recently have I gotten over it. If people I don't know get too close I have a panic attack. I also can't handle large crowds. I'm sorry you are having troubles. I send hugs

My big problem is with strangers touching me, I can't stand haircuts, massages, etc. I'm trying to be better about hugging my family and friends, though, because I want to have a relationship at some point down the road...

[Seshat]

Sounds like a phobia to me, but I'm no expert. Just talking from personal experience. I have a similar problem. I suffer from hypochondria (along with OCD) and social anxiety, so maybe that's why. It happens with strangers, people I don't know well, or people I dislike. For some reason I don't have a problem with haircuts or massages (there might be other situations as well but I'm sticking to what with or without you mentioned because I really can't think of anything right now). I don't know. Maybe it's because I think those are special situations since people are supposed to touch me (so long as it doesn't feel wrong, obviously). I don't get panicky but I react with extreme shock and anger. Last week somebody in class touched my shoulder because they wanted to know what the teacher had said and I was like "WTH!" in my mind. I have some trouble with it because I don't want to be impolite, but it is so annoying. I send hugs as well.

[with or without you]

Originally Posted by Seshat

For some reason I don't have a problem with haircuts or massages (there might be other situations as well but I'm sticking to what with or without you mentioned because I really can't think of anything right now). I don't know. Maybe it's because I think those are special situations since people are supposed to touch me (so long as it doesn't feel wrong, obviously).

Yeah, that's what I struggle with...I try to tell myself things like "you're not the only person ever doing this, you know" or "this is what they do for a living" but I can't help it. It's some obsession with my personal space being invaded....yech

[Seshat]

Originally Posted by with or without you

Yeah, that's what I struggle with...I try to tell myself things like "you're not the only person ever doing this, you know" or "this is what they do for a living" but I can't help it. It's some obsession with my personal space being invaded....yech

Me too! Sometimes I feel bad even if people touch me accidentally. :/ You're in my thoughts, with or without you. I know it's horrible.

[with or without you]

Originally Posted by Seshat

Me too! Sometimes I feel bad even if people touch me accidentally. :/ You're in my thoughts, with or without you. I know it's horrible.

thanks! here's an ironic

[Seshat]

Hehe. Thanks. Right back at you