G&STC's Director Talks with Allure About How COVID-19 Is Causing “Skin Hunger” for Many of Us: How to deal with the lack of touch when you may be craving physical affection

CHECK OUT G&STC DIRECTOR, JESSE KAHN TALK WITH KAI AT ALLURE ABOUT HOW COVID-19 IS CAUSING "SKIN HUNGER" FOR MANY OF US AND HOW TO DEAL WITH LACK OF TOUCH WHEN YOU MAY BE CRAVING PHYSICAL AFFECTION.

A few highlights include:

“Physical human contact is an emotional and physical need based on our biology and psychology,” explains sex therapist Jesse Kahn, the director at The Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center in New York City. “Touch can release oxytocin, reduce stress, and calm our nervous system.”

There is no uniform experience of skin hunger — while some people may be aware of their desire and need to be touched, Kahn explains that for others it may manifest as depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, loneliness, stress, or difficulty sleeping.

Kahn affirms that solo touch and movement can provide benefits similar to interpersonal touch.

Consider how you can shift your focus to other forms of connection to help tolerate this experience of skin hunger. “This could include regular video or phone check-ins, sharing and expressing how you’re feeling, sending letters and care packages, and talking about non-COVID-19 related topics that deepen your knowledge of each other,” says Kahn.