Hikikomori (from Japanese ⁇ «, which means » who is closed—) are people who voluntarily isolate themselves from society, minimizing or completely stopping contact with others, except for their closest relatives. This phenomenon was first described in Japan, but is now observed in other countries of the world.
These are not just introverts or those who love loneliness — is a deep and long-lasting social isolation that lasts from six months, and sometimes for whole years. This phenomenon is not an official psychiatric diagnosis, but it is closely related to various psychological conditions and has significant consequences, both for the hikikomori themselves and for their families and society in general.
What leads to isolation?
The path to the state of hikikomori is rarely sudden, usually it is the result of the accumulation of a number of factors. Social pressures and inflated expectations, especially in cultures where educational and career achievements are important, are becoming a huge burden. Failure to meet these standards leads to frustration, anxiety, and non-interaction. Traumatic experiences (bullying, social rejection, failures in personal relationships/work, leave deep psychological wounds, forcing a person «to close himself off from the world to avoid further pain.
Some people who exhibit this behavior are strongly influenced by biological factors that cause them to isolate themselves. For example, these may include people suffering from mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder. Some of these conditions cause so strong feelings of anxiety and fear that encounters with people become extremely difficult, or the symptoms of the disease themselves limit the ability to move and interact, leading to hikikomori. In addition, some people may have mild intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, or highly functional autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that remain unrecognized and unclear by those around them. This creates enormous stress for the individual, and when that stress becomes unbearable, some people become trapped in the hikikomori, as a way to avoid it. However, such isolation, in the end, only consolidates their mentally unhealthy state. Some studies also point to the role of parental overcare, which can lead to the formation of an infantile and dependent personality not ready for adulthood.
Life in isolation
Hikikomori life is typically characterized by an inverted sleep pattern, where activity occurs at night and the day is spent sleeping, providing a sense of security and avoiding unwanted contact. Most of their time is spent in the virtual world: computer games, watching anime, reading manga or simply surfing the Internet become the only sources of communication and entertainment. Financial dependence on parents is a typical feature, as hikikomori are usually neither employed nor educated. Social contacts are minimized, often limited to interaction with parents when they bring food. The hygiene and order of the room can be neglected and eating habits are often irregular, with an emphasis on fast food or food consumed at night.
Implications for hikikomori and society
The effects of social exclusion on hikikomori are severe and long-lasting. This deepens depression and anxiety, leads to loss of social communication skills, feelings of loneliness, guilt and low self-esteem. For families, it is a huge emotional and financial strain, as parents often feel ashamed, guilty and helpless when trying to understand and help their children. For society, the hikikomori phenomenon means the loss of a significant part of the working population and an additional burden on social services, because the further integration of these people into society becomes a difficult task.
Ways to recovery
Helping hikikomori — is a complex and long process that requires patience and a professional approach. It includes psychological help (individual or family therapy) to overcome basic problems, as well as medical treatment in cases of depression or anxiety disorders. A key aspect is gradual reintegration, which begins with small steps, such as short exits from home and renewed communication with loved ones. Support for families who need understanding and guidance on how to interact with their children correctly is also important. In some countries, like Japan, there are specialized centers offering temporary housing and socialization programs. After all, helping hikikomori — is not only about returning them to «normal» life, but also about finding meaning, motivation and interests that can be the source of their return to active life.
