Do hugs work?

Ezrigirl · Jul 06, 2019, 06:21 AM

I am bipolar I, currently in a depressed mood.

When I am depressed, and I get a hug, it lifts my spirits. Do hugs really work? And does online hugs work just as good?

fern46 · Jul 06, 2019, 07:02 AM

Hugs are awesome. They help in a number of ways. Hugs cause a chemical reaction that lowers our heart rate and stress levels, so they are helpful on a physical level. Hugs also help us mentally, emotionally and sometimes even spiritually. Hugs can make us feel cared for, loved, safe, excited, wanted, etc.

I think online hugs can be effective as well. I imagine the physical effects are lessened, but I'm sure there's some sort of reaction if you can visualize an online hug being real. It probably just depends on how 'real' it feels to you.

Hugs to you and all who want or need them.

Sunflower123 · Jul 06, 2019, 07:18 AM

Hugs release oxytocin which lowers our heart rate and cortisol levels as fern said. I think hugs are awesome and great for your physical and mental health!

When I receive virtual hugs here it always makes me feel good and I smile. There may not be oxytocin released but there is a good effect.

I see that you are new. A warm welcome to PC. I’m sorry you are depressed and hope you feel better soon.

Ezrigirl · Jul 06, 2019, 09:40 AM

Thanks, it must work. Hugs!

Jul 06, 2019, 10:21 AM

I totally agree with fern and Jennifer and appreciate that they mentioned the positive biological affects, too. Though I love kisses, a hug is even more comforting to me because it a fuller body thing that offers additional comfort. I think the comfort is reminiscent of the type a baby gets from a mother/father.

Online hugs may not be quite as comforting as a real one, but I think they are valuable. It's nice to know that people hear you, sympathize or appreciate, and care, even if from far away. I like receiving them and am happy to give them.

Wild Coyote · Jul 06, 2019, 11:19 AM

Welcome to PC!

I hope you will find the information and the support you may be seeking.

Hugs are great!

Once read a study about puppies done at a hospital. For a couple of days, the staff had ignored the puppies, only giving them their food. Bloodwork in the puppies showed a depressed immune system.

Next, the staff interacted with the pups, petting them, touching them, interacting with them for a couple of days. LANs were repeated. After much touching, the ups had stronger immune systems!

This is not about hugs specifically; yet it is about touch, which occurs with hugs!

I wish I knew how/where to find the study!

So glad you have joined in with us!

Wild Coyote · Jul 06, 2019, 11:25 AM

*Labs* were repeated,...

Sorry. On phone.

Cornucopia · Jul 06, 2019, 02:36 PM

Yes, when they are given with the right feeling. I can feel the difference when my H hug me, if he truly means it or not. Thing is that when I need it the most it is more likely it’s not a heartfelt one. One could say this is due to the depression interpretating it as a not heartfelt one, but in my case it is because he’s worn out. I feel like he has not much left for the unstable me.

A real hug with good intent are really comforting and soothing. To feel someones arms wrapped around you like a blanket, sniffing the smell of a wonderful human being is appreciated. Don’t happen very often, though.

Virtual hugs for me are a nice gesture, the sender is doing a nice thing to show you he/she cares and are listening. So I find that to be a very nice thing, it’s good to have people sharing experiences and helping eachother.

for those wanting them

Jedi67 · Jul 07, 2019, 02:15 PM

I love hugging my wife and children. When I'm down, it's the best medicine...

Jul 08, 2019, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezrigirl

I am bipolar I, currently in a depressed mood.

When I am depressed, and I get a hug, it lifts my spirits. Do hugs really work? And does online hugs work just as good?

they do!

I can't count the times I've logged off this site and said out loud to myself, I got a virtual hug, yay!.

real hugs are good providing the person isn't sweaty and gross
seriously.. I don't suggest it

Jul 08, 2019, 02:27 PM

I have started to say to my friends (like before they leave) can I have a hug?

and some even catch on

Misery Business · Jul 08, 2019, 03:36 PM

This is coming from someone who has gone through some serious abuse and have issues with touch from other people, but hugs that show caring from others does help. Even the virtual hugs that you don't get that physical hug but it is the meaning of it that is what really counts. It is showing that someone is caring.

Ezrigirl · Jul 08, 2019, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misery Business

Even the virtual hugs that you don't get that physical hug but it is the meaning of it that is what really counts. It is showing that someone is caring.

Being of two minds on that. Seeing a hug on my computer screen makes me feel something positive; after thinking about that hug away from the computer, just makes me feel more empty.

Misery Business · Jul 08, 2019, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezrigirl

Being of two minds on that. Seeing a hug on my computer screen makes me feel something positive; after thinking about that hug away from the computer, just makes me feel more empty.

I can understand that. You do however have to remember that those people who do send those virtual hugs are sending them with care in mind and for them to send a lasting message to you. When people read a post here many do not have the words to express a long thought out way to express to say they care so they say it with a virtual hug which is there way in simpler terms that they care. It is not suppose to come across as any less or anything than a long response for someone to take away. It is just suppose to come across as a way to say they are thinking of you and they care.

~Christina · Jul 08, 2019, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misery Business

I can understand that. You do however have to remember that those people who do send those virtual hugs are sending them with care in mind and for them to send a lasting message to you. When people read a post here many do not have the words to express a long thought out way to express to say they care so they say it with a virtual hug which is there way in simpler terms that they care. It is not suppose to come across as any less or anything than a long response for someone to take away. It is just suppose to come across as a way to say they are thinking of you and they care.

Because I use Tapatalk on my phone it doesn’t allow for a hug. So I thank people.

I do not like web view at all.

Ezrigirl · Jul 08, 2019, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misery Business

I can understand that. You do however have to remember that those people who do send those virtual hugs are sending them with care in mind and for them to send a lasting message to you. When people read a post here many do not have the words to express a long thought out way to express to say they care so they say it with a virtual hug which is there way in simpler terms that they care.

The type of hug that has the best feeling. The type of hug that would really lift my spirits. Is not the many hugs you see with a gif. A gif hug is nice, it does show someone you care. But it is also a click of a button hug. A hug that is done online, is a hug that is thought out in a sentence structure. Thought out well, comes with care and warmth, and sent in a PM. True, it is a role play, and most people do not have the skills to really think something out. Still, when it is done, it really lifts my spirits because someone really thought out a hug.

Misery Business · Jul 08, 2019, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezrigirl

The type of hug that has the best feeling. The type of hug that would really lift my spirits. Is not the many hugs you see with a gif. A gif hug is nice, it does show someone you care. But it is also a click of a button hug. A hug that is done online, is a hug that is thought out in a sentence structure. Thought out well, comes with care and warmth, and sent in a PM. True, it is a role play, and most people do not have the skills to really think something out. Still, when it is done, it really lifts my spirits because someone really thought out a hug.

I understand that.

Jul 09, 2019, 03:13 AM

on the subject of hugs, it matters a lot to me how they are done

for example: if I'm being hugged in person, I prefer like a bear hug, (really tight), than I do say a 1 handed effert

makes me feel a bit anxious of that person for some reason. I don't know why, a hug's a hug, but their we go

Ezrigirl · Jul 10, 2019, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misery Business

You do however have to remember that those people who do send those virtual hugs are sending them with care in mind and for them to send a lasting message to you.

@Misery Business

Virtual hugs, in practice is a positive engagement and in practice is counterproductive. You never know who will overreact so it is unwise to do so.

AspiringAuthor · Jul 11, 2019, 12:35 AM

since you are in the US, find a local Cuddles Party and go. You will get more hugs than you can imagine, from people who want you to feel better. Just open up and be honest that you are depressed and have found hugs helpful.

Ezrigirl · Jul 11, 2019, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AspiringAuthor

since you are in the US, find a local Cuddles Party and go. You will get more hugs than you can imagine, from people who want you to feel better. Just open up and be honest that you are depressed and have found hugs helpful.

Cuddles Party, sounds like a place sex offenders go to.

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