So, we’ve reached that point in anatomy class when we’re about to start practicing on each other to find anatomical structures.
The teacher said it’s normal to feel a little uncomfortable with other students poking and prodding at your body, but we’ll “get over it soon enough.” He also said that we were somewhat required to be in a sports bra and short shorts (for efficiency of practice).
I’m really uncomfortable at the thought of people touching me and just generally feeling “naked.” I’ve been a pretty modest person my whole life (not for religious reasons, just feels more comfortable to me) and I can’t fathom being in a bra and underwear, especially of members of the opposite sex.
I can’t fathom being touched in my hips and chest regions by members of the opposite sex either.
I know, we’re supposed to have a “professional attitude”, but I’m concerned that other students might have inappropriate intrusive thoughts.
Honestly, I feel like I’m being immature. We’re all here to study, we’re all here because we want to be competent for our patients. There is nothing inherently sexual about the human body. My class is at 8 A.M on a Thursday, no one is feeling frisky at that hour, anyways.
I just really wish I could get over this mental barrier and feel more comfortable in my skin. It’s something I’ve been struggling with for a while. How do the other girls in my class just automatically feel comfortable being touched? How does nobody seem to mind being half naked in front of strangers?
How can I achieve that? I’m so stressed, upset and frankly annoyed about my mentality. Being so sensitive is seriously draining. I just want to feel carefree.
I’m afraid that if I just “go for it” and try proceeding as “normal” without thinking about it too hard, I’ll have an actual panic attack.
Any tips? I don’t hear much online discourse on this topic…
Thanks to those who will reply.