The Hug Deficit

The Hug Deficitby: Josh PatrickPublished on: 10/02/2026

A deeply personal reflection on the power of real hugs, human touch, and vulnerability. After surviving trauma and facing cancer, I’ve learned that touch isn’t optional—it’s medicine.

real hugsoxytocinhugs are medicineparents need hugs toowhy hugs matterhow hugs help with stresstouch starvation explained
The Hug Deficit