Hikikomori

[bellbottoms]

Hikkimori don't only exist in Japan. They are young adults who live at home, don't study, don't work. Who for whatever reason have become recluses, I guess because they just couldn't cope with the growing pressure and they were already withdrawn and misunderstood in school. It's not really a diagnose like social anxiety but rather a situation. I only came across the term today on TVtropes and I had to find out more. They seem to be better at helping these people in Japan but there seems to be a little help to get even in my country although not in my town. It's kind of shaking to read about it because there is so much shame and guilt involved, but knowing one is not alone, that it's an actual phenomenon, is just unbeatable.

I'm a little ashamed just posting this but there was no thread about it, I searched it and got no results (and I'm pretty sure I spelled it correctly, I had to try three times). Perhaps there are no hikikomori on this forum but spreading awareness is still a good thing.

[Huge]

It's interesting although I'd be careful about identifying with it too strongly, as it might cause you to stay stuck, especially if the systems for rehabilitation don't exist in your community.

I found some articles on it...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23255526

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23182523

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01bdmw7

[JaLee]

It's interesting although I'd be careful about identifying with it too strongly, as it might cause you to stay stuck, especially if the systems for rehabilitation don't exist in your community.

That is why I don't read about my diagnoses, I am scared to become stuck in them and not getting better.

[Fizzle]

http://phobias.about.com/od/phobiasatoh/a/Hikikomori.htm

I think its interesting that they say people wouldn't qualify as agoraphobic as they don't suffer with panic. And that social phobia isn't relevant as most don't have a fear of people or social situations in that way. It seems to be more about opting out of the high expectations forced on them. I imagine there is a lot of pressure in these countries for people to perform and conform. But people are meant to be with people so hence the anxiety and depression. And probably torn between wanting to rebel and yet wanting to conform to their parents and societies expectations.

Huge and JaLee, that is wise to do if you think you are risk of taking on your diagnoses as an identity. I think that happens a lot and is self defeating as if you do then getting better means you loose your identity. Recipe for a dead end.

Personally I am not at all at risk as I see all my mental health issues as temporary and something I am determined to get rid of. If I can ever get back into therapy . That includes AV personality disorder which I wasnt diagnosed with, definitely had and would definitely no longer qualify for. Thank goodness. Speaking about diagnoses for me isolates the condition and symptoms I want to get rid of and I see it as outside of myself rather than it being me.

Edited January 31, 2015 by Fizzle

[Fizzle]

oops. Doub;e post.

Edited January 31, 2015 by Fizzle