hikikomori
Yuto's Therapeutic Journey
After sending the request, for a moment, he felt weightless.
Soon he received a response, but it would take another two weeks for Yuto to gather the courage to open it. After opening the email, he read a very kind message and carefully began his therapeutic journey. Over the course of weeks, Yuto felt comfortable in their chats.
His online therapist learned about his isolation and together they delved into his childhood and family dynamics.
With Yuto's consent, the therapist connected him to an organization that specialized in helping Hikikomori individuals.
Knowing he wasn't alone and that there were others like him, Yuto finally felt a sense of relief after a long time.
The assistance provided by the organization's social workers led to a significant turning point for Yuto, as he courageously engaged in a long-overdue conversation with his parents, despite a crippling fear.
INFO:
Hikikomori is often associated with mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, social phobias, avoidant personality disorder (AVPD), and other psychiatric conditions. Hikikomori is not yet classified as a mental disorder itself but rather as a distinct phenomenon or a symptom of an underlying mental illness. However, if there is a pre-existing mental condition, the social withdrawal is still considered as Hikikomori, as this extreme form of isolation is not a typical symptom of recognized disorders.
Researchers suggest that Hikikomori develops as a coping mechanism for individuals who are overwhelmed by societal pressures, such as academic or work-related stress and social expectations deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Hikikomori individuals may experience feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy for not meeting these expectations, which can lead to isolation.
Hikikomori can also be attributed to traumas or life events such as bullying and abuse. Due to the fear of reliving these experiences or as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-imposed isolation becomes the safest place with the fewest opportunities to encounter or repeat negative experiences.
Lack of understanding of the potential pre-existing conditions contributes to deeper isolation.
There are plenty services online that provide help for Hikikomoris.
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