Can't bear getting touched by anyone. Seeking advice!

by Khloe
(United Kingdom)

I am so thankful for this website on the amount of info it fed me, I have just found out about the term of 'sensory processing disorder' after searching online about my issue.

I'm a 19 year old teenager with a severe issue on touching. I can't bear any kind of touch from anyone on almost every part of my body. I have had this issue for many years, as I remember in my childhood I was known for being extremely ticklish, then when growing older I started to realise how extreme my issue is, or at least that's how I perceive it to be, seeing from how it's affecting my every day life and the worries I'm getting from it.

I find it very depressing sometimes for being abnormal to others when not bearing someone laying their head on my lap, or a gentle touch for a second or even less.

Sometimes, I feel even the top I'm wearing can get quite irritating on my skin. When touched I have an automatic reaction of defending myself from what feels like an attack not a touch even if it was an accident.

It gets very awkward, when it happens with someone who doesn't know me well. I can't control myself from reacting like this. It's like a sudden shock, fright and an attack all at the same time and I don't know what are the causes to this.

Sometimes I react to very little things and when I try not to give any reaction, I endure for few seconds then I can't bear anymore.
I am also really scared of having this issue affecting my intimate relationship with my partner.

It' quite comforting hearing similar stories to mine, but I really feel it's time to look for a solution to this issue.
I got advised on checking with a hypnotherapist but I still didn't take any action yet, I'm not sure who to seek help from.

Ps. It would be SO lovely and more comforting if you could share with me a story like mine, or telling me ways I could get over this and live my life normally without any fears.

Thank you in advance x