Dr. EasodhaVidhya Elango
Psychiatry
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am scared of being touched. This does not apply to my family or close friends. I feel like this started maybe because of the complicated relationship I have with my dad or due to sexual harassment by a guy by touching me. I remember that there was one time where I froze up and could not do or say anything. Like more than a year later, I became friends with this guy, and we started getting closer. I felt comfortable enough with him that I did not think he would do anything bad to me. One time he started tickling me, and I also froze up and felt weird sensations. I felt scared. After that, I left the room because I felt like crying. I am not sure if this relates, but whenever my dad initiates a hug or tries to touch me in a fatherly way, I feel weird. But when I go to hug him, it feels better. I also do not like it if my brother touches me, but maybe because I am not close to him. Besides that, I am worried that I will not be intimate with anyone in the future. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I went through your queries and believe I have fairly understood your issues. However, a few things could help me answer your concern better, which are missing.
From the query, I understand the main issue here is being scared of getting touched. Did this start after being sexually harassed? How long has this been an issue? Is this fear only pertained to men, or do you not like being touched by women too.
With the information you have given me, I take it that it started after the harassment. If so, we have to rule out any underlying mental illness like post traumatic stress disorder. To do that, I would need more information about your sleep, mood, etc. You do not like when someone initiates physical contact because it reminds you subconsciously of the harassment and you feel violated.
My suggestion regarding this is for you to have a detailed psychiatric assessment that would guide us whether you need either pharmacological or psychological input or both.
You have also mentioned your dad being critical of you. It looks like you have had a challenging childhood. Parents separating can have a lot of psychological impact on a child’s emotional and psychological development. Your anxiety might have stemmed from your childhood experiences. You could try and talk to your dad, explaining how his approach impacts your mental health.
Like I have mentioned before, you need to see a psychiatrist to have a comprehensive assessment to confirm if you need medication. You would also benefit from psychological counseling.
I hope this helps.
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Psychiatry
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