Hikikomori wave: Mental health experts dissect the pandemic-induced phenomenon

A recent national survey by the Japanese government discovered that the country is home to 146 million social recluses The posttraumatic stress of the global COVID19 pandemic the struggles of the economy and long lockdowns have added to fear and anxiety for people todayThe hikikomori waveThe phenomenon is not new to Japan Diagnosed in the 1980s it was termed ldquohikikomorirdquo mdash pulling inward in Japanese In such cases individuals drop out of work or school cut ties with society and withdraw to live within the boundaries of their homes In 2023 the phenomenon found resurgence in apostpandemic JapanNikhila Deshpande and Sonal AnandWhile it does not have as strong a presence in India Nikhila Deshpande psychologist and life coach mentions that the postCOVID Indian society is also vulnerable ldquoOur brains are designed in such a way that if they perceive danger they can change habits and beliefs in response Some people struggle to overcome this block long after the threat of COVID19 has recededrdquo she says With remote working facilities and all things homedelivered Deshpande notes that individuals can fall victim to their paranoiaDr Sonal Anand consultant psychiatrist Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road mentions that this is more likely among senior patients ldquoTheir struggle through the pandemic has made them fearful which makes it challenging for them to return to life as it wasrdquo she explains ldquoI have also noticed that people with preexisting anxiety or depression those who have gone through the trauma of losing their loved ones or suffered a neardeathexperience are bound to resortto isolationrdquoSadaf VidhaCause and effectWhile contagion fear remains a major cause the experts agree there are other underlying factors ldquoRight now our brains are so hardwired to avoid contagion that we have had to rewire ourselvesrdquo Deshpande shares In addition the lack of focus on mental health in Indian society makes it all the more challenging she points outSadaf Vidha therapist and founder Guftagu counselling and psychotherapy services shares ldquoI believe there is a mismatch in society I am seeing a lot of people struggling to find peers to share their experiences withrdquo Noting that human beings are naturally wired to live in a social circle she says ldquoThe risks are manifold Apart from the physical lows you can be closed off to different perspectives have suicidal or helpless thoughts because you lack experiences Your social skills also begin to deterioraterdquoDeshpande notes ldquoSuch a lifestyle is lethargic and sedentary which is bad for the overall body When you interact with people you experience dopamine which is a reward hormone Lack of dopamine leads to lack of motivation There is no zest left in life which leads to depressionrdquoVidha also notes that a common sign is the lack of energy or desire to be among people ldquoIf you notice them cancelling plans repeatedly or struggling to do things that they once enjoyed it is a signrdquo she says Stresseating and insomnia are also among symptoms to watch out forRescuing the recluseHowever she adds ldquoYou cannot address the problem through moral lectures or admonitions It is important to understand them and ask if they need helprdquo she says The key is to diagnose where the fear is stemming from ldquoSometimes it is a product of unprocessed grief We need to understand if it is grief fear or depressionrdquo she notesDr Anand recommends a behavioural therapy and medication if necessary ldquoAt the same time yoga or laughter clubs can also prove beneficialrdquo she says All of them agree that taking small steps is the key Deshpande elaborates ldquoBuild new neural pathways A small walk around the neighbourhood a regular exercise routine and therapy can make a differencerdquoThere is always an inherent motivation present within individuals to do the right thing says Vidha ldquoEven when you are not willing the mind knows Getting in touch with that part of the individual is essentialrdquo she concludes146million people in Japan have receded from society8 per centof Indian youth suffer from loneliness according to a 2017 Aspen studySteps to return Build a simple but regular exercise routine Reconstruct neural pathways by learning new things A small effort to brush or write with the left hand is also helpful Opt for therapy and counselling It is an effective way to face your fears Reach out to friends for help Ask them to join you on a social visit or spend time with someone who is accepting and nonjudgemental