A phenomenon of extreme social isolation, known as hikikomori and first identified in Japan in the 1990s, is on the rise in the United Kingdom, according to a recent study. This trend sees predominantly young adults withdrawing from society, confining themselves to their homes and often their bedrooms for extended periods.
The characteristics of hikikomori, derived from Japanese verbs meaning 'to withdraw' and 'to seclude oneself,' include staying home most of the day, avoiding social interactions like school or work, and prolonged isolation lasting at least six months. While typically affecting individuals aged 20 to 27, the condition can emerge as early as age 13 and appears more common in males.
In Japan, over 1.5 million people, more than 1% of the population, live as hikikomori. In the UK, a study by researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) found that 20% of surveyed university students exhibited early signs of this social withdrawal, with one in eight reporting significant distress.
Dr. Yoko Nagai, a senior author of the BSMS study, stated that hikikomori is now a global phenomenon, particularly serious in the UK due to its overlap with other issues. Factors contributing to this rise include the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of artificial intelligence, and economic pressures affecting employment for young people. Many young individuals who are already partially isolated are at risk of complete withdrawal, potentially triggered by depression, anxiety, bullying, low self-esteem, shame, relationship problems, or feeling misunderstood.
"We have to implement intervention urgently and raise awareness in schools, at universities, with mental health professionals and parents," Dr. Nagai urged.
For some, like a 22-year-old named Daniel from Somerset, the withdrawal began after leaving school. His mother, Claire, described a gradual but systematic isolation, where Daniel spent nearly five years confined to his bedroom, engaging in activities like gaming, reading, and watching TV, with only brief excursions for essentials. While not a prisoner, Daniel chose this path, a decision experts suggest should be met with sensitivity and support rather than pressure.
Psychiatrist Yuko Nippoda, who has worked with hikikomori for over 30 years, advises against actions that add pressure, emphasizing that a parent's understanding and acceptance are crucial. She explains that the bedroom can become a "cocoon" offering safety and happiness, but prolonged isolation can lead to being trapped, a significant loss of confidence, and an inability to seek help.
Online forums reveal the depth of suffering, with users expressing feelings of boredom, loneliness, and fantasies of freedom that seem unattainable. Some individuals remain in this state for decades, struggling with basic life skills if their parents, who often provide care, are no longer able to.
Despite the challenges, recovery is possible with the right support and therapy. Daniel's situation showed a turning point after 18 months when he began spending more time with his family, expressed a desire for a more active life, and agreed to see a GP and therapist, though waiting lists pose a challenge. He is now applying for training courses and jobs, with his mother noting that "things are much brighter now."
In other countries, innovative approaches are being explored. South Korea offers financial incentives and subsidies for services like health, education, and counseling to low-income recluses. In a unique initiative, some South Korean parents participated in a program where they were confined to small cells to understand their children's experience of isolation.
Experts in the UK emphasize the need for urgent public awareness, especially considering the significant number of young people not in employment, education, or training who are already on the margins of society.