As my freelance work organization has merged with another youth mental health organization, I just learned this new term.
"Hidden youth syndrome" is the term used in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and China for the phenomenon of hikikomori, which is a severe form of social withdrawal where young people isolate themselves at home for six months or longer. This syndrome is characterized by physical isolation, psychological detachment, and distress from functional impairment due to a retreat from school, work, and social activities. Factors contributing to this withdrawal can include academic stress, bullying, mental health issues, and high societal expectations.
Characteristics of hidden youth (hikikomori)
Duration: Social isolation lasting at least six months.
Physical isolation: Staying at home or in one's room for most of the time.
Social withdrawal: Avoiding face-to-face social contact and participation in school or employment.
Psychological detachment: A sense of being psychologically disconnected from the outside world.
Distress: Experiencing distress due to impaired daily functioning.
Contributing factors
Academic setbacks: A history of poor performance or negative experiences in school.
Bullying: Experiencing or witnessing bullying in an academic setting.
Mental health challenges: Conditions like social anxiety and depression can contribute to withdrawal.
High societal expectations: Pressure to succeed academically or professionally can be overwhelming.
Technology and internet usage: Increased use of the internet and online gaming can facilitate and reinforce social withdrawal, especially with the convenience of online services.
Intervention and support
Multi-factorial approach: Effective interventions require addressing the complex and multi-faceted nature of the syndrome, often involving both mental health and social support.
Early intervention: It is beneficial to intervene earlier, ideally between 3 and 6 months of withdrawal, before a strong "hikikomori identity" can be formed.
Supportive services: Programs may include school-based reintegration, mental health counseling, family support, and building social skills through interest-based activities.
Youth empowerment: Interventions that focus on building confidence, competence, and a sense of purpose are often included.
Yes, in my mental health caregiver class that I am teaching, most of them are parents having youths with this issue. How about you? Do you also have youths facing the same issues too? How do you cope or deal with the issue?
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3 comments
I don't have youths, but pretty sure I was a youth with this issue. It could be argued that I've grown into an adult that still has the issue.
I think my 30-year old stepson may have that syndrome!
It is a sad commentary on today's society when people feel the need to cut themselves off from society and this is not just limited to youth.
The thing is that many young people think that "society" is that thing who is inside a smartphone, though is only delusion, fantasy, nothing, and they forget the true society is the neighbour in the house just at the other side of the street or the cashier at the supermarket...