When you just can't stand to be touched

Sometimes you just don't want to be touched.

Being sensitive to touch is commonly attributed to people living with Autism Spectrum challenges. But it's also alive and well in people with ADHD and anxiety.

Your nervous system is hypervigilant and easily saturated.

When you've had a day of relentless input without time to recover your skin can feel like an open wound. The slightest touch may make you snap at someone to "get away"!

You fear even a hand on your shoulder may cause you to collapse into tears or shatter into a million pieces.

YES! That's what it feels like.

People who can regulate their emotions or stress response with ease don't understand this. They think your physical distance is about them somehow.

If you're a parent with this sensitivity you need to educate your child(ren) about how emotions work. They have experienced moments of overwhelm (usually frustration). That could help them have more empathy for your situation.

Self-care requires you to have time to decompress and recharge. This go, go, go world rarely allows someone with your heightened sensitivity to do that.

This sensitivity can be self inflicted as you to try to compete with everyone else instead of honoring your own delicate balance.

Regardless of whether those around you are willing to understand and respect your desire to not be touched, you have a right to it.

A right to your personal space.

A right to your own boundaries.

A right to have your wishes respected.

A right to do what's best for you.