Hikikomori Syndrome Is Rapidly On The Rise, With People Not Leaving Their Homes For At Least Six Months
Across Japan, approximately 1.5 million people live as recluses, withdrawing themselves from the outside world.
Some even refuse to step foot outside of their homes. These people are known to have Hikikomori syndrome.
The cultural syndrome is spreading rapidly, with the use of social media exacerbating the country’s loneliness problems.
Research has shown that the Covid-19 pandemic has also been a significant contributor to this type of lifestyle.
Hikikomori is defined as an extreme form of social isolation that can be influenced by several factors, such as psychiatric conditions, societal pressures, negative peer experiences, poor family dynamics, maladaptive personality traits, and excessive internet use.
People are considered hikikomori if they haven’t left home for at least six months. They will show little interest in most activities, quitting working or dropping out of school in favor of staying indoors. They also will rely on their family without any plans to become independent.
The term originated in Japan and was coined in the 1980s. The word “hiki” means “to withdraw, while the word “komori” means “to be inside,” referring to individuals who withdraw from society.
A survey from 2022 revealed that around 1.46 million people in Japan between the ages of 15 and 64 exist as recluses.
In addition, a 2019 survey uncovered that 613,000 adults between 40 and 64 are considered “adult hikikomori.”
skymediapro – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
The study discusses the “80-50 phenomenon,” which is when parents in their 80s are forced to take care of their children in their 50s.
Furthermore, the syndrome is not just limited to Japan. It’s prevalent in other places as well, like Brazil, China, India, the USA, and some European countries.
A few of the challenges that hikikomori face are feelings of hopelessness, fear, and fatigue from relationships.
They can feel incompetent and like they’re unable to function in the real world. Many might be traumatized from past experiences.
Hikikomori is also marked by the fear of judgment and disappointing others. Another reason people shut themselves away from society is that loneliness is easier to deal with than trying to maintain relationships with people.
With treatment, hikikomori can be reintegrated back into society. Parents can help their children with hikikomori by patiently encouraging them to start a conversation or small activities like taking a walk in the mornings when fewer people are out and about.
Eventually, bigger changes can be made, such as going to the grocery store. Local and national authorities in Japan have even launched mental health services and home visits to those affected by hikikomori.
The phenomenon of hikikomori has highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and social support networks.
It has also called attention to some long-existing issues in society that have gone overlooked for too many years.
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